What It’s About
This updated version of Dallas isn’t actually a remake, but rather a continuation of the old show. The original Dallas was about family rivalries, money, relationships, cowboys and of course, oil. It’s all pretty much the same here, but with a modern spin. Ewing cousins don’t like each other and compete over whose dick is bigger, I mean, whose business is more successful. Wives either feel helpless and regretful or run large companies because their husbands are loaded. Secrets are revealed, people get hurt, other people come out on top. In short, this is a new Dallas with all the classic soap elements thrown in.
When It’s On
Wednesday’s on TNT.
What You Should Know
Impressively, it was the highest rated cable premiere of the year so far.
What Works
It was extremely surprising to actually enjoy this show and not be completely embarrassed by such a remake of an old classic. Remember what The CW tried to do with Melrose Place a few years ago? I was fully expecting a similar disaster. Instead what we have is a rarity in television, the update of an old TV series, leaving the same characters in tact but also bringing in new ones to something that’s actually not bad. When the classic Dallas theme song plays, as a television freak, it’s hard not getting chills. Dallas is the staple of a nighttime soap and pretty much set the pace and bar for almost every one to come after. Whether or not this updated version will pack the same punch remains to be seen, but I doubt it.
What Doesn’t Work
Dallas is too obnoxious for its own good. It is literally the most alpha male dominating show I’ve seen in years and I don’t say that lovingly, even with a decent number of female characters. (Yes, I’m taking Sons of Anarchy and Justified into consideration.) There’s nothing overly wrong with it. The writing is fine, but can use a little less gimmicks. The acting is mediocre at best, and has the unfortunate disposition of “I know I’m watching a soap opera.” And forgive me for saying this, but am I the only person who thinks the cast is actually relatively weak compared to other casts on TV?
Bottom Line
The original Dallas worked brilliantly during a time when there wasn’t much to choose from on TV. But in this current landscape of television, we already have an overstuffed abundance of programming. A few years ago I would have been more impressed with this. But after watching shows like Breaking Bad, Mad Men, and even better prime time soaps like Revenge, I’m not sure Dallas can compete. Or maybe it’s just not for me. Either way, it is definitely fun, and most importantly, fans of the old show should love this.
Should You Watch?
I’ll say yes, you should definitely give it a shot. This is the type of show that is so divisive it’s really hard to say whether or not someone is going to enjoy it. If you liked the old Dallas, you’ll like this. If you like the idea of a soap about a family rivalries, money and oil in the south and can bare to watch obnoxious people worry about having only $500,000 dollars instead of 2 million, than yes, you should watch. Though truthfully, if you’re going to watch a show about Texas, I’d rather just re watch the brilliant Friday Night Lights.
First Impression Grade
B
Is waiting for a review of SOA