Back in the 1980’s unless you were under the age of two, you were probably somewhere near your television screen each and every Friday evening, along with the rest of America, watching an episode of the longest running series in history; “Dallas”. The storyline was juxtaposed between the panoramic backdrop of the Texas-sized Ewing family ranch and the sprawling, urban cityscape of downtown Dallas. But that was about as Dallas as it got. For the most part the original series was primarily shot in Los Angeles, nowhere Texas. Fast forward thirty-four years, and lo and behold, Dallas has risen from the proverbial ashes, ready to pick up right where it left off. What’s different this time? Location. This new version has included some familiar faces but unlike the original series they are actually on location in Dallas. If you’ve been missing that clinking of ice cubes from J.R.’s evening bourbon or following Bobby to the stables you can revisit those scenes all over again. With additional new cast members and a more eco-themed plotline, there’s still the requisite drama spouting out from the Ewing family’s ever-present trysts, trials and tribulations, even if the oil-soaked Ewing’s have gone a little greener during the interim.
If you happened to have a few million burning a hole in your pocket and had jumped on the horn a little quicker, then you might have had a chance to own the new “Dallas” home located in Plano. It was listed on the market for a brief time, awaiting its newest Dallas owner, and no, you didn’t have to be an oil tycoon or wear your signature Stetson, but you might have needed to cash in a few of those oil stocks if you had them. Still looking for that ultimate Texas-sized ranch and sprawling expanse of endless vistas? Not to fret, there are plenty of other “Dallas” digs out there to satisfy your inner rancher. Just think how nice drinks will be on the veranda, watching the sunset over your personal oil rigs, those long-horned steers lowing in the distance. Or maybe that’s a little too much upkeep for you.
Well, there’s always Southfork to keep that Dallas reverie alive. And the beloved ranch will always be in your heart, but if revisiting the show has rekindled those heartfelt Dallas memories, you can make your “Dallas” dream come true. Jump online and make a reservation to tour the heart of the Ewing enclave, picture this; you, J.R. and Jock discussing the latest takeover when you step into the wood-paneled library, hopefully Sue Ellen is nowhere nearby, you know how much she hated your ruthless ways, “I'll get you for this, J.R. if it's the last thing I do. I don't know how yet, but I'll get you...”. Regardless, you can book the ranch for a corporate event or the perfect setting for your dream wedding.
For those of us of a certain age, we will have to toss out that old adage about never being able to come home again. When we sit down and flick on “Dallas”, we can indeed pick up right where we left off with the Ewing’s, back home in Dallas.
Thanks for reading this special post by Shane Hobbs!
