Never forget
In “The Letter,” a seventh-season “Dallas” episode, Bobby (Patrick Duffy) is seated in Thanks-Giving Square when Pam (Victoria Principal) arrives and sits next to him.
PAM: Hi.
BOBBY: Hi.
PAM: I haven’t been here in a long time.
BOBBY: Come to think of it, neither have I.
PAM: Liz and Jackie and I used to come here — sometimes — when I was still working at The Store.
BOBBY: I know. I used to meet you here too. Remember?
PAM: Seems like two lifetimes ago.
BOBBY: Yeah.
PAM: It’s amazing how different we are now, you and me. It’s odd how people change.
BOBBY: I don’t think people change so much, really, Pam. It’s feelings that change.
PAM: Bobby, I called you because I think we have to talk about our marriage.
BOBBY: Yes, we do.
PAM: You know the last couple months have been difficult. They’ve been hard for both of us. You know, as young as Christopher is, I know he’s felt it too. I’ve asked myself a thousand times if I was right to leave you — and what we should do about it now. But I could just never come to any decision. And then a couple days ago, my attorney called and reminded me that we had a court date coming up.
BOBBY: Pam, don’t go on. I have something I want to say. Please let me say it.
PAM: All right.
BOBBY: Sometimes, when people fight so hard for something that means a whole lot to them, they seem to lose track of the truth. And ever since you’ve left me, I’ve done everything I can to try and get you to come back. I was ready to give up the ranch, Ewing Oil, anything. And then I realized that that’s just not something that can work.
PAM: Bobby —
BOBBY: No, let me go on. I’ve thought a lot about this, especially the last couple of days. I finally realized that what I’ve been fighting so hard to try and keep just doesn’t exist anymore. We have feelings for one another — wonderful feelings — but they’re just yesterday’s memories.
PAM: Yesterday’s memories?
BOBBY: That’s right. Just like the hours that we spent right here in this square.
PAM: No, they’re more than that.
BOBBY: All right, maybe. Maybe a little more. I don’t know. But I do know they’re not the same. And Pam, a lot has changed between us. So before you tell me what’s on your mind, I wanted to tell you that I … I’m letting you go. I won’t put pressure on you anymore. I won’t rush you anymore. I just don’t think it’s fair to either one of us.
PAM: Bobby —
BOBBY: It’s for the best, Pam. For both you and me. [Sighs] So I’ll call my lawyer in the morning and he’ll contact yours. I just think it’s better we both finally realize that it’s over.
She sits in silence, begins sobbing, rises and walks away. He begins crying, stands and watches her leave.
