Dallas (1978–1991): Season 5, Episode 11 - Waterloo at Southfork - full transcript

I'm gonna win custody if I have
to drag his mother through the mud.

You do realize. Of course. That the Ewing
name might be dragged with her.

I don't want you persecuting that girl.

When I come home.
You're gonna be proud.

I have the witnesses
and the depositions...

to prove that you're a tramp.
A drunk and an unfit mother.

You wouldn't do that.

Wouldn't I? You know me
better than that.

I want my boy back.
And I'm gonna get him.

I don't care what it takes
or who I have to break to do it.

Then you're gonna
have to break me, J.R.



He's so beautiful.

Isn't he a beautiful boy. Christopher?

Yes. He is. Yes. He is.

- Look. He's laughing.
- He's ticklish.

Oh. I can't believe it. I check
myself out of the hospital...

and come home the same day
Bobby brings Christopher home.

It's incredible. Isn't it?

I must say I was a little surprised
to find you here when I got home.

Dr. Conrad said you were gonna
stay in the hospital for a while.

Why did you check yourself out. Pam?

Well. I knew
I didn't need any more therapy.

You see. I was right. Wasn't I?
If I'd listened to her...

I wouldn't have been home
when you brought him home.

Seems like a miracle. Doesn't it?



You know. The way the agencies talked.
I thought it would be years.

I thought so too.
How did you do it, Bobby?

I guess they just cut through some
red tape. Mama. I don't know.

You know. I never asked you
what agency he came from.

Did they tell you anything about him
or who his parents were?

What happened to them?

Honey. All that information
is confidential. You know that.

- J.R.
- Mama.

You and I still have some
unfinished business to talk about.

- Now?
- Right now.

What a sweet boy.

Bobby. I can't believe it.

It's what we always wanted.
Baby of our very own.

J.R.. I want an explanation.

The notes are due
and payable in four days.

Our cash reserves
are practically depleted.

Now. I wanna know what's going on.

Calm down. Mama.
I know what I'm doing.

- Well. It doesn't look that way. J.R.
- Would you like a drink?

When your daddy
left everything in your care...

I trusted you and kept out of it.

Now I find that you've
been losing a small fortune.

And worse. You've secured it
with Ewing assets.

Now tell me, what possible reason
could you have for doing this?

I assume you do have a reason.

The best reason in the world.
I want my boy back.

- I don't know what you're talking about.
- Lt's very simple.

I bought that oil for a swap off
with Clayton Farlow.

All he has to do to get it
is throw Sue Ellen off his ranch.

I told you to leave her alone.
I don't want her back that way.

Not unless she wants to come back.

Your daddy would never approve
of your actions.

Mama. You forgot what Daddy
told me on the phone.

He wants John Ross back on Southfork.

But he couldn't know
how you plan to accomplish that.

He knows all about it.

Even if that were true, he never would've
approved of you jeopardizing Ewing Oil...

just to get revenge on the Farlows.

No. It's not revenge.

I want my boy back.
And I'm gonna get him.

And I don't care what it takes
or who I have to break to do it.

Then you're gonna
have to break me, J.R.

Mama. Please stay out of this.

No. J.R.. not this time.

You may have gotten us into this.
But I'm gonna find a way to get us out.

And because I can't trust you. From
now on until your daddy gets back...

your days of free reign
at Ewing Oil are over.

Hello. Overseas operator.

I wanna put a person-to-person
call to Mr. Jock Ewing.

You're sure you won't stay?

You've been absolutely wonderful. I can't
thank you for everything you've done...

but there's nothing left
for me here now.

Juanita?

Come on. Sweetheart.

You have the number of the hotel
I'll be staying at in San Angelo?

- You'll call if you need anything.
- Of course.

It was good having you here.
You and the boy.

It made the house seem alive again.

Been a long time.

You made it seem like home to us too.

I'd hoped it turned out differently.

I really did hope.

If there's anything ever
I can do to help...

I know.

I'll call.

- Goodbye.
- For now.

Well. I've been trying all day
to get ahold of him.

Yeah. Are you sure there's
no way to reach him?

Well. Of course it's important.
You just keep trying. Hear?

Look what I've got.

Come on. Come on. Look.

Oh. You like it?

That's good.

That's good.

He really loves his applesauce.
Doesn't he?

Oh. He loves everything.
He even loves spinach.

It's because you're an extraordinary
child. Aren't you. My little darling?

Pam. I'm flying down to San Angelo.

Is there anything I can do
for you before I go?

No. I'm fine. Got everything I need now.

I'll get it. You'll tell Sue Ellen
about the good news. Won't you?

- I will.
- Okay.

Come here. Come on.

Oh. Christopher. Oh. Christopher.

Bye-bye.

Wow. You're doing that
on your own. Very handsome.

I don't know what else I can do.

I've been everywhere.
I've tried everything. It's just no-go.

I just can't get any more money.

Then the project is drowned?

It looks like it.

Well. It seems to me
you still have other choices.

What choices?

Well. You can sell out and take a bath...

or you can reconsider
and talk to your wife.

No way.

- Well. What about the Ewings?
- I can't.

Isn't it better to talk
to them than to go under?

Walter. I told you. I can't do it.

Even though your only
other choice is to sell out?

Well. Then we better start
looking around for someone...

who's willing to take it over
at whatever price.

Do you have someone in mind?

Yeah. I've had a few calls.

There's a Scotty Singer
who sounds pretty interested.

You better call him now then.
If I'm gonna get out of this thing...

I better get out of it fast.
Before I get burned any worse.

Morning. Mrs. Michaelson.
How are you feeling?

Oh. I'm very frightened.

I've heard such terrifying stories
about things that can go wrong.

I betcha I know what you've heard.

You've heard this... or this... or this:

That's right.

I almost checked out of here
about five minutes ago.

Let me tell you. In the time I've worked
here. I've never seen anything like that.

I doubt that even your closest friend
will be able to tell you've had a facelift.

Really? You mean no marks.
No scars. No bruises?

Yeah. Really. Nothing anyone
would ever notice. You'll see.

Is there anything else you
wanna know. Mrs. Michaelson?

Ms. Michaelson.

My husband and I are getting a divorce.

I didn't know. I'm sorry.

Oh. No. Don't be.
He's got a new girlfriend.

I'm getting a new face. A new life.

Do you think that I'm making a mistake?

Oh. I can't tell you that. Mrs...
Ms. Michaelson.

Evelyn.

But I can tell you that
you are in very good hands.

Dr. Waring is a very fine physician.

I'll be up to check on you
right after the operation.

Oh. Good.

Thank you so much
for coming to talk to me.

I...

I really appreciate it.

Yeah.

And so I thought it would be best
to come and talk to you myself.

I'm glad you did.

I've...

I've had a talk with J.R.

I know that he's been
stockpiling your oil.

And I know why.

I imagine you do too.

Yes.

I think...
We think that it was a mistake...

one that we should rectify.

I'd like to sell your oil back to you.

Is that possible?

I don't see why not. Sounds like
a marriage made in heaven.

I've got the money
I was gonna use to buy overseas oil...

but I'd rather deal with you.

I wanna warn you. Mr. Farlow.
I'm not giving it away.

Right know. The oil is worth
$25 million less than when J.R. bought it.

That's a large loss for us to sustain.

We could sit and wait for it to go up.
But that would hurt Ewing Oil and you.

I'm prepared to offer you $33 a barrel.

That's very fair.

I would have taken 32.

- There's just one thing I'm curious about.
- What's that?

Was there ever a time when
you thought of giving in to J.R.?

Would your husband have done that?

Jock?

Well. Of course not.
He would've told him to go to hell.

That's what I did.

It's strange. Isn't it? After all this.

All of J.R.'s wheeling and dealing. All the
manipulation and expense he went to...

to get Sue Ellen
to leave Southern Cross...

she's gone ahead
and left anyway on her own.

I'll admit, I was worried about Pam
when she checked herself out so early.

Thought it would take a long time
before she was ready...

to maintain a normal life at home.

Longer even than I dared to tell you.

Doctor. You should see her now.
She's a whole new person.

- Coffee?
- No. Thank you.

- She's happier than I've ever seen her.
- I'm delighted.

I know Pam was about ready
to give up hope of ever getting a child.

It must seem like
a wonder to both of you.

Your coming home with Christopher...

on the very day that Pam
returned to Southfork.

Well. I think the real wonder
is the change that it brought about in her.

She's her old self again.

Having Christopher seems
to have made her well overnight.

That's good news.
Pam was on dangerous ground.

I hate to think what might have happened
if you didn't have that baby.

Please give my best wishes
to Pam. Will you?

And I hope things
continue well for all of you.

So do I. Thank you, doctor.

Well. Keep trying to get him.

I'm coming straight
into the office right now.

Oh. Lord.

I just thought I'd stop by
and see my new nephew.

Yeah. With him here now. I suppose
we'll be overrun with Barneses.

Keep smiling. J.R. I wanna see
your face three days from now.

Cliff. You don't have the wherewithal
to one-up old J.R. You know that.

You just keep beating your gums, old boy.
All Texas needs is a little more hot air.

Remember. You got three days left.
Remember that. You got three days.

I knew you was a slow learner. But
I thought even you would know by now...

old J.R. always lands on his feet.

Is that your best offer?

How much you say you had in it so far?

Four million.

Tell you what. You turn over
all your rights to me, and I'll give you...

three million for it.

I'll take it.

I'll have my attorney
draw up the papers tomorrow.

Thank you. Scotty.

Sorry it turned out this way for you. Ray.

At least he'll develop
on your land. You'll be all right.

Yeah. But I wish we could've
done it together.

Well. Maybe some other time.

Sure.

Some other time.

- Any luck?
- No. I did finally reach the camp.

They said Mr. Ewing is somewhere
in the interior...

and won't be back for several days.

Oh. Man. That's too vague. Can't you get
any better information than that?

The line was so bad I could
hardly hear. Should I call back?

Well. If he's gonna be unreachable
for a few days, we'll have to wait.

I'll call him after
my divorce hearing. If I have to.

Yeah?
Mr. Barker is here to see you.

He says you're expecting him.

- Send him in.
- Yes, sir.

J.R.

- How's it going?
- We're getting there.

- Are the subpoenas out?
- All the ones you mentioned.

Dr. Rogers from the sanitarium where
your wife was committed for alcoholism.

The day-and-night nurses who are
ready to testify to her violent nature.

Dr. Anita Krane. Who attended her
after the automobile crash...

that almost killed your unborn son.

And her lover, Dusty Farlow.

- I've got the depositions for the rest.
- Barker. We're gonna go all out on this.

I'm gonna win custody of my son if I have
to drag his mother through the mud...

from one end of Texas to the other.

Now. You understand me?

I understand.

You do realize. Of course. That the
Ewing name might be dragged with her.

My daddy will forgive anything
if I get his grandson back.

Now let's take a look
at those depositions.

Hi.

- Hi. Ls Christopher asleep already?
- No. He's talking to his new bear.

Wanna kiss him good night?

In a minute.

Oh. Bobby. I've never been
happier in my whole life.

Christopher's so wonderful.
He's everything I ever wanted in a child.

I still can't believe he's really ours.

Honey. Of course he's ours.

You know. His eyes are such a dark blue.
Do you think they'll turn brown?

Would it matter?

Well. I want him to look like you.

You know. In fact. He already looks
like a Ewing. Doesn't he?

I think he looks like who he is.

Bobby?

Can I see you downstairs?

Sure. Mama. Right away.

Let's go say good night to Christopher.
And I'll see what Mama wants.

- Come on.
- Okay.

Miss Ellie.

Donna said you wanted to talk
to me about something?

Yes. I do.

I've called the family together
to discuss a problem...

but first I have
some good news for you.

I'm now in a position to give you
that loan you wanted.

It's too late.

- I've already sold out.
- You what?

Miss Ellie. I've already taken care of it.

Could we just drop
the whole thing. Please?

Mama.

Mama.

What do you wanna talk to us about?

Let's all sit down.

Sure.

'N-n-

I asked you all here because
we have some things to talk about.

- You know. Mama. I was thinking...
- Sit down. J.R.

Sure.

While Jock's away. It's my responsibility
to see that the family and the business...

is run the way he wants it to.

But that hasn't happened.

While Jock's been gone...

J.R. has been stockpiling oil...

depleting our cash reserves and
drawing against our assets to do so.

All in his personal campaign
against the Farlows.

Well. This afternoon. I took care of that.

- You did what?
- I sold Clayton Farlow the oil...

that you've been stockpiling.

He offered me a very fair price.
$33 a barrel in a falling market.

Thirty-three dollars a barrel?

- Well. I bought it for 35.
- Yes. I know.

But the going rate is 30.
And no one's buying.

I would have taken 32, and I told him so.

Oh. I wish you'd stayed out of this.

I couldn't do that. J.R.

You acted in an irresponsible manner...

using the family business to wage
your own personal vendetta.

If your Daddy were here.
He never would've put up with that.

And I'm not going to.

I have my reasons. Mother.
And you and I have already discussed it.

I want my boy. Your grandson...

back here on Southfork
where he belongs...

and where my daddy wants him to be.

I understand your reasons.
But I detest your methods.

I think it's time to vote...

on whether you should continue
as president of Ewing Oil.

All right.

Lucy. How do you cast your 10 votes?

Lucy. How do you cast your 10 votes?

Out.

And your 10, Ray?

Out.

Bobby. You have 20 votes.

What do you say?

I'll pass for the moment. Mama.

J. FL.

I vote 20 to stay.

You have the deciding votes. Mama.

But before you vote. I want you
to think about something.

Who else can run Ewing Oil?

Lucy?

Ray?

How about Bobby?

I think Bobby
pretty well proved last year that...

he's not cut out
to run Ewing Oil alone.

Besides. He has other things on his mind.

His wife just got out
of a mental hospital...

and he has a little
baby to take care of.

Or are you planning
on taking over in Daddy's absence?

No. I'm not.

But you had no business
doing what you did, J.R.

I can't forgive you. Jock never would.

He trusted you
and you betrayed that trust.

But I can't think of anyone else
right now...

that could take
the responsibility of the job.

Grandma.

So I'm going to vote my 30 and
John Ross' 10 shares that you stay.

With one stipulation.

Because it's so obvious that you can't
be trusted to run things on your own...

I want Bobby by your side
at Ewing Oil...

until Jock gets back.

Bobby?

Sure. Mama.

Isn't it funny. J.R.?

With all your conniving. You got
what you wanted in spite of yourself.

Or didn't you know...

that Sue Ellen and John Ross
have left the Southern Cross for good?

Mama.

J.R.

I want to thank you
for that vote last night.

It wasn't a vote of confidence.

I'm gonna try and change that.

You just don't learn, do you. J.R.?

Well...

I sure learned something last night.

Remember that we have a meeting
with the cartel to settle a loan.

Yes. Ma'am.

Also. I'd like to know what you plan to do
about Sue Ellen and John Ross.

Well. There's nothing to worry about.

- Divorce hearing's in a couple of days.
- I know that.

But in spite of your differences.
Sue Ellen's out there alone with your son.

My grandson.

Someone should be out there
taking care of them.

Mama. Don't worry. She'll be
coming back before you know it.

That's not what Clayton Farlow said.

She will. Mama.

I know her better than
anybody else in the world.

She's never been alone before.
She's always had somebody to lean on.

She'll be coming back dragging her tail
behind her. It's just a matter of time.

And when she does. She'll be
bringing John Ross back with her.

But if she doesn't...

J.R.. promise me you'll leave her alone.

Stay out of her life.

She will. I know Sue Ellen.

She will.

Some things you left behind.
I thought you might be missing them.

- Thank you. Come on in.
- Just for a moment. If you have the time.

Of course. Come on in.

Well...

look who is here.

Hi there.

- How are you doing?
- Good.

Yeah?

Are you all right here?

Have everything you need?

Yes. I'm just fine. Besides. It's just for
a little while. Till the divorce hearing.

Seems kinda silly
for you to be staying here...

when I'm rattling around
in that great big house all by myself.

- Still. I guess it wouldn't look right.
- All by yourself?

I thought you heard. Dusty left.

He's on the rodeo circuit.
He's in Colorado now.

Even he hasn't heard the good news.

What good news?

Ellie Ewing flew in yesterday.

We reached an agreement.

I got my oil back and my refineries
will be in operation soon.

Clayton. That's wonderful.

There is one thing. Though.

She does know that you and John Ross
have left Southern Cross.

- I wonder if she told J.R. that I've left.
- Possibly. Why?

That make any difference
in his strategy at the divorce hearing?

I don't know. I've never
been able to outguess J.R.

All I know is that if he can use
something to destroy me, he will.

Is there anything I can do?

You want me to go to court with you?

No. No. Thank you. Clayton.

As a matter of fact, it'll be better
if you weren't there.

Please. Don't misunderstand me.

It's just that I know J.R..
And it could get very. Very ugly.

We have a lot of years
and a lot of dirty linen...

to be laundered between
the two of us.

You can be sure that J.R.
won't miss a thing.

Now. Clayton. I'd...

I'd rather have you think
of me as you do now...

for as long as that's possible.

Just remember...

if you change your mind. I'll be there.

I know that. Thank you.

This is something that
I have to do by myself.

All right.

Bye. John Ross.

It's you and that football now.

- Bye. Clayton.
- Bye.

Good Lord. Ray. Aren't you
ever gonna talk to me?

Confide in me?

What do I have to do
to convince you that I'm on your side?

I don't care about the money.

All I care about is you.
Doesn't that matter to you?

Sure. It matters. It also matters
that every time I try and prove to you...

that I'm something more
than just a damn cowboy...

I get knocked head over heels.

Ray. You don't have to prove anything
to me. I have told you that over and over.

It isn't important.

Well. It's important to me.

You know. I have tried
every way I know...

to show you that I love you
just the way you are.

What the hell difference does it make?

What difference does it make?

I'll tell you.

Look at you. My wife.
The girl that has everything.

You got looks. You got money.
You got brains...

you got political savvy.

You can sit down and write a book...

and... just like that. I'll guarantee
you. It's gonna be a bestseller.

And look at the dummy
you're married to.

All I can do is just run a ranch.

So that's it, isn't it?

You just really wanna feel
sorry for yourself.

I mean. You tried something.
And you failed once.

So for the rest of your life it'll be. “Look
at me. I am poor old dumb Ray Krebbs.“

- That's it, isn't it?
- Yeah. That's what I am.

Is it finally getting to you?

Would you just get off of it?

So you lost profit on your last deal.

We're no worse off than we were
when we started.

So. What is it?
What's really eating you?

Take your hands off me.

That's a lovely. Healthy
young man you've got there.

And the rate he's growing...

looks like he's gonna be
a tall. Healthy fellow.

He's already trying to stand.

He's obviously
well-developed for his age.

Did you bring the papers
from the adoption agency?

Well. Doctor. There was some kind
of mix-up at the agency...

and they didn't send them.

But as soon as they arrive.
I'll bring them right over.

Dr. McBride, he seems
to be all right, doesn't he?

Oh. He looks fine. It's just that
we have to know what shots he's had...

what kinds of illnesses. If any.

Well. I'm sure there won't be a problem
of any kind. Come on, honey. Let's go.

I'll bring those papers by
as soon as they come.

- I'd like to thank you all for coming.
- Lt's good to see you. Miss Ellie. But...

But you wonder
why you were called here...

at this time of night and by me.

Is that right?

You do have us guessing. Ma'am.

Well. You can stop guessing.

I called you here to tell you that Ewing Oil
is now prepared to pay back your loan...

with interest.

Well...

how nice.

I knew Ewing Oil
would be coming through.

Did you. Mr. Bradley?

I suppose I should thank all of you
gentlemen for the aid you gave my son.

Now. Miss Ellie.
You know it's just business.

What I do know is that you were
supposed to be Jock's friend. Jordan.

And yet the minute his back was turned.
You took advantage of J.R.'s situation...

to charge an outrageous 25 percent
interest to extend your loan.

Oh. Now. Miss Ellie.
You don't understand.

I understand perfectly.

And what about you, Cliff?

How long are you gonna perpetuate
this stupid Barnes-Ewing feud?

Until we're all dead and gone?
Is it worth it to you?

Don't expect me to apologize
because J.R. got in over his head.

I don't expect anything from you. Cliff.

And I don't apologize
for what my son did.

It's a family matter.

We may be wrong and we may be right.
But we're Ewings. We stick together.

And that's what makes us unbeatable.

Well. You're up early.

Couldn't you sleep?

Oh. No. Ma'am. I got a lot
of things on my mind.

Are you worried
about the divorce hearing?

No. That's all cut and dried.

- J.R.. you know what I told you.
- What's that?

- J.R.. you know what I told you.
- What's that?

I don't want you persecuting that girl.

Oh. Mama. I promise you.

You don't have a thing to worry about.

I just want you to remember. J.R.. you're
only president of Ewing Oil by my graces.

One step out of line, such as dragging
Sue Ellen through the dirt...

and I'll change my vote so fast.
It'll make your head spin.

Honestly. I promise you. It's gonna
be clean. Sweet and above board.

When I come home tonight.
You're gonna be real proud of me.

Hi. How's my big brother?

- Fine.
- Well. Can I come in?

Sure. Sure.
Let me help you with the bags.

- Thanks.
- Come on in.

How's Mama? How was your trip?

Fine. Fine. Everything is fine.

Mama was real glad
to hear about your new job.

I told her you were very happy with it.

- Are you still happy?
- Very much.

Looks like you're planning
to stay a while.

Don't worry. Not long.

Just till I find a place of my own.

Is it okay?

Sure. I'm glad to have you.

So how are things with you and Lucy?

Oh. Pretty good.
Well. At least we're talking.

She tells me she's not
Miss Young Dallas anymore.

- Well. That should make you happy.
- Look. You can stay. But I've gotta go.

- Just help yourself to whatever you need.
- Okay.

- I'll see you later.
- Bye-bye.

Mr. Barnes' office.

Hi. I'd like to speak with
Mr. Cliff Barnes, please.

Well, he's not in.

All right. Would you just tell him
that Afton Cooper called...

and I can be reached at 555-9121.

And I'll be waiting to hear
from him. Thank you.

Everybody here we subpoenaed?

Got them all. All except Farlow. He's out
of state. We've got enough without him.

- What's it look like?
- For her? Terrible.

We've got some strong stuff here.

Newspapers are gonna have
a field day. It could get cruel.

I don't give a damn.

I'm gonna get my boy back if I have
to tear her little black heart out.

Hi. Y'all.

- J.R.
- Here. Hold that.

Pardon me. Please. Pardon me.

- Well. Hello.
- What do you want. J.R.?

I just wanna talk to my wife.

- I have nothing to say to you.
- I have something to say to you, darling.

Something that might make
a big difference...

on the way you're planning
to proceed today.

You don't have to talk to him. Sue Ellen.

That's all right. Arthur.
I wanna hear what he has to say.

Good.

Bill.

Pardon me.

Well. What is it?

I just thought you might wanna know
what's on the agenda for the day.

Knowing you, J.R..
I think I have a good idea.

Do you?

Sue Ellen. I have the witnesses
and the depositions...

to prove that you're a drunk.
A tramp and an unfit mother.

When I finish with you...

there's not gonna be a judge in Texas
that'll give you that child.

You can just save your breath. J.R..
Because you don't frighten me anymore.

And you're also not
on your lover's ranch.

You're on your own. Honey.

You don't have him to protect you.

Now. Come on. Let's drop all this.

- Come on back to Southfork.
- Never.

Sue Ellen. I'll fight you
till you're in the streets...

with nothing more to your name...

than the clothes on your back
and a cup in your hand.

- You wouldn't do that.
- Wouldn't I?

Now. You know me better than that.

You're not gonna win, honey.
Even if you do...

I have the time. Money and power
to keep you tied up in litigation forever.

When I'm finished with you.
You won't have a dime...

and you'll be in debt
up to your ears in legal fees.

Now. I'm prepared to fight you
till hell freezes over...

if that's what it takes to get my boy.

You have a little time left. Think it over.

Come on. Sue Ellen. It's time to go in.

I do not understand
what is so complicated.

The mother's dead. Nobody knows
who the father is. Who would know?

Look. Bobby. I told you.
Adoption law is not my field.

But my legal instincts tell me
that your friend is playing with fire.

Now. If it were me.
I'd drop the whole thing.

Well. He can't do that.

It's too late. Look. Eric. There's
gotta be something you can do.

These two people love
that baby very much.

There's nobody else around
who wants him.

There's gotta be a legal way
that they can adopt him.

I know. I know. It doesn't seem fair.

But that's the way it is.

Hey. Look...

maybe we can find a way out.

Now. As I say. It's not my area
of expertise. But I'll research it.

Thanks. Buddy. I appreciate it.

And so does my friend.

Are you ready with your
counter arguments. Mr. Barker?

Yes. I am. Your Honor.

We have listened
for the past 40 minutes...

while my esteemed colleague...

argued the many virtues
of his client. Mrs. Sue Ellen Ewing...

and her fitness as sole
custodial parent of their minor child...

John Ross Ewing Ill.

Now. Your Honor. We'd like
to present you with the facts.

May I ask the court's indulgence
while I prepare my depositions?

Howard. Forget it.

That's his favorite trick, grabbing
my hair and pulling as hard as he can.

I'm gonna end up bald
with a very healthy scalp.

Somehow. I don't think
you mind too much.

How can you tell?

Pam. It's wonderful
to hear you laugh again.

- It's been a long time, Pam.
- Well. Look what I have to laugh about.

Everything I ever wanted in the world
is right here in my arms.

Goodbye. Darling.

Goodbye.

Would mother's angel
like something to eat?

Bobby. Hello.

Hello. Rebecca.

How are you?
You're here to see your grandson. Huh?

- How did you like him?
- He's a little darling.

I'm so happy for Pam. And you.

Oh. It's so wonderful. You really
did turn things around for Pam.

I can't believe the change in her
since you brought Christopher home.

You must be so relieved.

Lam. I'm delighted.

How you gonna like being
called Grandma Becky?

Like it? I'm going to love it.

I'm going to start
spoiling him immediately.

I'm going to do for my grandson...

everything I couldn't do
for my own children.

Bobby. I don't know how you did it.
But God bless you for it.

For Pam's sake and mine.

It's not unusual
in a hearing of this sort...

for the bitterness of the parents
to spill over into court.

I am particularly grateful to Mr.
And Mrs. Ewing and their attorneys...

for their courteous conduct
towards one another.

Now. Having heard all the arguments...

we come now to the decision of who
shall have custody of the minor child.

Although it has been
traditional over the years...

for the mother to be given custody
of the minor children...

that tradition has been changing.
And we too must change with the times.

More and more. We see that fathers too
can be excellent single parents...

to their minor children...

which is why I wish neither parent...

to take the decision
I am about to render here today...

as a judgment upon them
or their capacity for good parenting.

Having heard all the arguments...

the court hereby orders...

adjudges and decrees...

that full custody of the minor child.
John Ross Ewing Ill...

shall be awarded to the mother...

Sue Ellen Ewing.

The child-support payments
to the custodial parent...

will be set at $6000 a month...

with visitation rights
to be established thusly.

Mr. Ewing shall see the child
on alternate weekends.