"Can you imagine — that was fourteen
years ago," J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman). In Sue Ellen's apartment,
divorced, on her couch. Watching a video of Sue Ellen being
crowned "Miss Texas."
"Fourteen years—?" Sue Ellen Ewing
(Linda Grey).
"You haven't changed a bit. Not to
me."
"You went to a lot of trouble for
that."
"Oh — just a little research," J.R.
"But why? I don't understand," Sue
Ellen.
"Well, I didn't think you'd remember.
But, that pageant is where we first met. I was one of the judges. It was
the first time I set eyes on'ya, Sue Ellen. I got to thinkin' last week,
um, well,
the divorce and everything, and—. Well, you know my, my alarm
clock mind for dates. And it just started me thinkin' about the old
days."
"Did'ju? And—?"
"I miss you, Sue Ellen. I wanted to
be with you tonight. My life just hasn't been the same without you"
[music rises, tentatively at first, then passionately: They kiss].
[END TITLE comes up.]
— Excellent example of a quote in
which the real power comes from the greater fullness of history.
Throughout this episode of Dallas (at its peak of quality), J.R.
is seen to be moving Heaven and earth to come up with this now
14-year-old tape he plans to show Sue Ellen for their anniversary. And,
previously on Dallas, we're given
a glimpse
into anticipation J.R. shares with his son about possible
reconciliation here after divorce.
Whether you buy into his motives here
or not, it's an incredible look into how complicated any character can
be; indeed, how difficult it is to cast them with
certainty
as "good" or "bad," in the case of J.R. And whatever it is that J.R. has
done here, and how little or large — it's enough for Sue Ellen to
believe...
...something she was already looking
for reasons to do.
