Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The season of "haute couture," Donna Reed, and, of course, J.R, 20 Jun 2008
The '84-'85 season of "Dallas" was a pivotal one in many ways. It saw the show being somewhat overshadowed in the ratings by that ABC upstart "Dynasty"; it was the year that Barbara Bel Geddes was replaced by Oscar/Emmy-winner Donna Reed in the role of the beloved "Miss Ellie"; and it also saw the "departure" of another popular cast member at season's end. Though these developments may have been new and shocking to dedicated fans, there was enough of the old to keep 'em satisfied.
J.R. (the superb Larry Hagman) is still up to his same old tricks but fids himself smitten by the new girl in town, Mandy Winger, played by Deborah Shelton. Unlike other of the oilman's conquest, Winger really appeals to J.R., not just sexually but on an "intellectual" level as well. He is determined to get her at all cost, including sending off-and-on spouse Sue Ellen (the magnificent Linda Gray) back to the bottle and the sanitarium.
Bobby (Patrick Duffy) and Pam (Victoria Principal) are still in love, although Bobby is going to marry Jenna (Priscilla Presley). Pam goes on a wild-goose chase, spearheaded by you-know-who, to find beau Mark Graison (an unseen John Beck).
Katherine Wentworth (Morgan Brittany) is still crazy and Cliff Barnes (Ken Kercheval) carries on his lifelong mission to bring down Ewing Oil in honor of his "dead daddy."
Reed brings a different take on "Miss Ellie," something that didn't quite fair well with fans. However, credit must be given to the actress for stepping into a part that was so engrained in the memory of fans by Bel Geddes. It took a lot of courage for Miss Reed and she should be commended for doing an admirable job.
Besides, she did look better in the Travilla clothes.
Speaking of the fashion, this was the year that the producers went all out. The men, though adequately dressed, took a backseat to the glamorous attire of the ladies. In appears that every female cast member, be she main, recurrent, or having a one-shot appearance, got to wear "the" dress, one that really turned heads. According to the bonus feature on Travilla, the show was trying to get on the "Dynasty" bandwagon with the clothes. Regardless, the women look "mah-velous," to borrow from Billy Crystal.
The series finale, "Swan Song," is, by far, the best of the season, featuring brilliant work from Duffy and Principal and an Emmy-worthy musical score by composer Lance Rubin. The final five minutes are poignant and demonstrate what the show was capable of when the writers really went to work...
Now, if they just could've come up with something better for the next season's finale...but that commentary is meant for that compilation upon its release.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dallas as its best, 20 May 2008
This is Dallas at its best. JR is as evil as ever and there are many end of episode dramas, which forces you to watch the next one as quickly as possible. I can't believe I have to wait until end of Sep to get Season 9!!! The glamour is topped in every season, the ladies are looking their best and the men are tangled up romantically. The only thing I don't like is Donna Reed as Ellie Farlow. It's a tough role to take over, and fans are not forgiving. I find it odd to think of her as Miss Ellie.
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9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dallas Season 8 , 6 Mar 2008
Dallas returns with a new Miss Ellie in the form of Donna Reed,star of classic Christmas movie "Its A Wonderful Life."
At the time,it was said the orginal Miss Ellie(Barbara Bel Geddes)had left for health reasons,Larry Hagman recently said it was over a pay dispute.
It really was madness to recast such a loved character,Donna Reed is a much more glamorous,kindly Miss Ellie and doesn't have Bel Geddes' fiery spirit or the down to earthness of the orginal Miss Ellie.
Barbara Bel Geddes makes a welcome return to Dallas the following year,Donna Reed sued Lorimar for breaking their contract,won the case and sadly died in 1986.
Lucy(Charlene Tilton)doesn't really have much of a storyline,in her last Dallas season for a few years,she strangely becomes a waitress like mother Valene(Joan Van Ark spunoff to the highly successful Knots Landing)
Priscilla Presley(Jenna Wade)joins the opening credits and has a large storyline,kidnapped by deranged ex husband Naldo,then accussed of his murder.
Newcomers this season are: long lost cousin Jamie(Jenilee Harrsion)and the lovely Mandy Winger(Deborah Shelton)both are soon caught up with the Ewing dramas.
Victoria Principal as Pam is great throughout,in one of J.R.'s nastiest schemes,he pays someone to take Pam on a wild goode chase,to the Carribean to look for the missing Mark.
The shocking ending featuring the "death" of a beloved character is heart breaking,and a lot of Dallas fans felt letdown when it was all revealed as a dream,to bring the character back!
Still enjoy this great season with the added padded shoulders of designer Travilla!
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