Instead of the buzz word “who shot J.R.?” from the original series, Monday night it became “who killed J.R.?” Tampa Bay viewers with Bright House Networks saw TNT's "Dallas" on channel 33. The episode opened with the immediate family members flying into the Mexican-U.S. border city of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. It was there where gunshots were heard in the background. This was during John Ross’s telephone conversation with his father for the very last time.
One of the startling scenes was at the morgue when the family identified J.R.’s body. The camera never showed his face. Even the opening montage with the rolling of credits featured the famous theme music played in an appropriate dirge, somber tempo instead. Larry Hagman as J.R. Ewing was not on the list, though J.R.’s unforgettable image faded out before going to a commercial break.
Afterwards, it was a final tribute to J.R. Ewing starting with a memorial service at the Dallas Petroleum Club. This was a cast of who’s who with cameos by real life Mayor of Dallas Mike Rawlings, NBA’s Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, and owner of the Dallas Cowboys, Jerry Jones. Of course Ray Krebbs and Lucy Ewing were there as were J.R.’s former mistress Mandy and ex-wife Cathy. Not surprising Cliff Barnes shows up expressing his disdain for J.R. with some choice words. Another unknown guest made an inappropriate remark, which lead to a fight for honor started by John Ross and Christopher.
The funeral was family members only with each one giving a touching eulogy. John Ross was too grieved to say some words. Sue Ellen’s speech was incredibly moving and tearful. She said at the end “You were the love of my life.” The closing scenes delivered viewers more information on what happened to J.R. It was Bum, J.R.’s trusted private investigator, shedding some light on his mysterious trips to Abu Dhabi and Mexico. The P.I. gave Bobby an envelope with some powerful information that he was not to be disclosed until further notice. The rest of the season will be devoted to finding out who killed J.R.
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