Sexy
John Ross and Pamela (Josh Henderson, Julie Gonzalo) are steaming up the screen on TNT’s “Dallas” this season. Everyone knows this isn’t the first time a Barnes and a Ewing have got involved with each other. But did you realize it’s also not the second, third or even fourth time it’s happened? Here’s a look at other Barnes/Ewing romances.
Star-crossed
BOBBY AND PAM
The Barnes: Pam (Victoria Principal), a scrappy working-class gal
The Ewing: Bobby (Patrick Duffy), playboy scion of a mega-rich oil-and-cattle clan
Met cute? Of course. When Pam was a child, her Aunt Maggie brought her to the Ewing barbecue, where pig-tailed Pam flirted with little Bobby (“Dallas: The Early Years”). When Pam and Bobby grew up, they had a whirlwind romance before their spur-of-the-moment wedding in New Orleans.
Their obstacles: How much time you got? Bobby and Pam dealt with career struggles, a kidnapping, old flames, a tabloid scandal, a messy adoption, a forged “Dear John” letter, a divorce, a remarriage, a 31-hour dream and a horrifying car crash. Of course, the biggest obstacle of all was J.R., who made breaking up the couple his life’s work.
Happily ever after? You do watch this show, right?
Scandalous
CLIFF AND SUE ELLEN
The Barnes: Cliff (Kercheval), an ambitious politician eager expose J.R.’s corruption
The Ewing: Sue Ellen (Linda Gray), J.R.’s neglected wife
Met cute? Sorta. Cliff and Sue Ellen were introduced by his friend Buzz Connors, who also happened to be the lawyer she hired to help her adopt a black market baby. (Don’t ask). Upon meeting Cliff, Sue Ellen told him, “You’re much more attractive than your reputation.” His response: “You’re far too pretty to be a Ewing.”
Their obstacles: Sue Ellen and Cliff became lovers, and she was ready to leave J.R. to be with him. But when Cliff realized their affair could ruin his political career, he dumped her.
Happily ever after? Nope. After Sue Ellen divorced J.R., she had another fling with Cliff, but the second go-round turned out no better than the first.
Sentimental
DIGGER AND MISS ELLIE
The Barnes: Digger (Keenan Wynn), washed-up wildcatter
The Ewing: Ellie (Barbara Bel Geddes), the beloved Ewing matriarch
Met cute? Perhaps. We never saw Digger and Ellie meet, but their backstory is the stuff of legend. Digger’s daddy worked for Ellie’s father, who owned the Southfork ranch. Digger and Ellie grew up on the ranch as sweethearts – until dashing Jock arrived and swept her off her feet.
Their obstacles: Bobby and Pam’s marriage brought Digger and Ellie back into each other’s lives. While Ellie was recovering from breast cancer, she drifted apart from Jock and sought comfort from Digger, who still carried a torch for her. Digger offered to whisk Ellie away, but she turned him down when she realized she still loved Jock.
Happily ever after? Hardly. Not long after Ellie and Jock reconciled, Digger drank himself to death.
Suspect
CLIFF AND JAMIE
The Barnes: Cliff, revenge-obsessed-politician-turned-revenge-obsessed-oil-executive
The Ewing: Jamie (Jenilee Harrison), a long-lost Ewing cousin
Met cute? Not really. Cliff stalked Jamie on the sidewalk, which is how he seemed to meet a lot of women.
Their obstacles: After Jamie turned up at Southfork and claimed she was owed a piece of Ewing Oil, cunning Cliff pretended to fall in love with her so he could get his hands on her share of the company. Cliff and Jamie had a quickie wedding, only to lose their court battle against the Ewings a few episodes later.
Happily ever after? Kind of, for Cliff at least. When Cliff cheated on Jamie, she left him and was killed in a rock climbing accident. Through a complicated turn of events, this meant he somehow ended up inheriting a piece of Ewing Oil anyway.
Jimmy who?!
JIMMY AND LUCY
The Barnes: Jimmy Monahan (James Canning, then Philip Levien), Cliff and Pam’s cousin; technically not a Barnes, but darn close
The Ewing: Lucy (Charlene Tilton), Jock and Ellie’s spunky granddaughter
Met cute? Yes. Pam wanted to fix up Jimmy with Lucy, but she knew her rebellious niece would never go for it. Instead, savvy Pam suggested Jimmy attend the Ewing Barbecue and act like he wasn’t interested in Lucy. It worked like a charm.
Their obstacles: Uncle Digger. Just when it looked like Jimmy was about to get lucky with Lucy in the hayloft, Digger got drunk – which meant Jimmy had to drive him home.
Happily ever after? Only as friends. After the barbecue, Jimmy helped Lucy sneak around so she could see her estranged mama Valene. He was never heard from again.
What are your favorite Barnes/Ewing romances? Share your thoughts in the comments section below and read more Dallas Decoder Guides.
