Dallas (1978–1991): Season 5, Episode 16 - The Phoenix - full transcript

A recovered J.R. brings John Ross to the Ewing Oil offices to introduce him to what he hopes is his son's future. Later, when he tells Sue Ellen about it, she is far from delighted.

In a will, all of the heirs
will be provided for.

That could spread
100 shares of stock pretty thin.

There's work to do at Southfork.

And if you don't wanna do it.
I'll find somebody who will.

Harv Smithfield is trying to pressure us
into having him read Daddy's will.

I told Harv distinctly.
I didn't want that done.

I'm planning on telling Harv that things
are to stay exactly the way they are.

There's absolutely no reason
to read that will.

And until there is a reason...

it's not gonna get read.

Put the key in the lock.
There you go.



And turn the handle.

Well. This is where your daddy works.

And over here...

this is the room
where Daddy's pretty secretaries work.

That's Phyllis...

and here's Sly. You know Sly.

Yeah. And let me see.

This is where your granddaddy
used to have his office.

And that's your Uncle Bobby's office...

where he does
whatever he does around here.

And I wanna show you something.

Lookie here. There you go.

This is where it all started. John Ross.
Look at that.

There's a whole bunch of real ones out
there just waiting for you to claim them.



You know...

your granddaddy used to take me
to work with him...

when I was not much older
than you are right now.

Here. There's something I wanna see.

Boy. You are getting heavy.

Hey. How do you like that?

How do you like that. John Ross?

You sure do look good in there.

You know. Your granddaddy taught me
everything I know about this business.

He'd be so proud if he knew
I was doing the same with you.

Now. That's a funny sound
for a Sunday. Huh?

- Hello?
- J.R.?

- Oh. Hello. Mama.
- I'm glad I caught you.

Sue Ellen just called.
She's worried about John Ross.

She wanted to know
when you'll be bringing him home.

Well. I'm just leaving now.

If she calls again.
Tell her I'm on my way.

- All right.
- All right. Bye.

Here. Little buddy.

Well. That's the end of your introduction
to Ewing Oil for one weekend.

But there'll be more, I assure you.

You are putting on weight, that's good.

That is good.

Okay. Come on. Partner.

Time to go to bed.
We got a bottle for you.

Mommy's gonna give you that bottle.

There we go. There we go.

- There. There.
- Oh. Yeah.

Here. Angel.

Such a perfect little hand.

Oh. And such tiny fingers.

Kind of hard to believe he's gonna
turn out to be a six-footer, isn't it?

Oh. Just like his daddy.

You know. The more I see him. The more
he favors the Ewings. Doesn't he?

What?

Looks like a Ewing.

Well. Honey. I think babies tend to
take after whomever you want them to.

Oh. I see a resemblance.

Miss Ellie's always saying
he looks like one of the family.

I don't know. Maybe it's in my mind.

I want him to grow up just like you.

- Come on. Let's let him go to sleep.
- Bobby...

I hate to push you, but I'd feel a lot
better if I knew more about his parents.

Pam. We're his parents.
That's all you have to worry about.

You know what I mean.

I don't know if they were short or tall...

or who knows. Maybe they had
hereditary problems.

Honey. Why do you always have to
assume the worst?

Well. I'm concerned.
It's important to me, Bobby.

Tell me the name of the lawyer
who arranged the adoption...

- and I'll go see him myself.
- I don't want you to.

Well. Why not?

Because adoptive parents
are not told about real parents.

Bobby. His parents are dead.
You told me that.

The lawyer can have no reason
for not answering my questions.

Okay. I tell you what. I'll...
I'll go talk to him.

But this is all privileged information.
I'll see what I can find out.

- You will?
- I promise. Now. Come on.

Yes. Beautiful. Beautiful.

Okay. Again.

Again. Now. Change. Change.

Yes. Yes. Wonderful.

Head back, now. Head back.

Get it high. Get it high. That's it.

Now. Profile. Come at me.

Come at... Just the eyes.

Just the eyes. That's it. That's it.
Oh. Yes.

More. More.

No more. I can't.

Hey. That was terrific.

You are so good.

- I'm exhausted.
- You're a natural.

That's what you are. Really.

- Oh. I better go.
- Oh. No. No. No. Wait a minute.

- Not just yet.
- I really have to go. Roger.

One more.

I'm tired.

Don't you move.

We've been doing this for 8 hours.
Have a heart.

You look so fantastic.
Now. I wanna get this.

Now. Shift your leg just a little, okay?

Shift it over the armchair.

A little more. Little more.

Photographers.

That's it, that's it.

Oh. Yes. This is gonna look so sweet.

Hello. Sue Ellen. Sorry I'm late.

J.R.. you were supposed
to be here at 5:00.

Well. I'm only a half-hour late.
And I said I'm sorry.

But. J.R.. I was so worried.
It's the first time he's been out.

Hello. Sweetheart.

I took him down to the office
to show him around.

- The office?
- Yeah. Yeah. He really enjoyed it.

He's prancing around there like
the king of Ewing Oil.

Which he's gonna be one day.

Well. If Ewing Oil does to him
what it's done to you...

then I'm gonna suggest
a different occupation.

Is that right?

Yes. That's right.

Now. If you'll excuse us.
I'm gonna put him to bed.

The little lady dining alone tonight?

Do you wanna check under the bed?

You used to get more action
when you were married to me.

Goodnight. J.R.

Well. If things get dull around here
just give me a ring.

I know some cowboys
who might help you out.

Come on. Sweetheart.

Mommy will give you a bath
and put you to bed.

You had to have an exhausting weekend
with Daddy at the office.

I can't believe he took you to the office.

I am so grateful to you.

It's such a classy club to work in.

You know. It's a terrific showcase.

It'll draw a lot of important people.

People I'd never even
dreamed of singing for.

I'm pleased for you. Thanks.

You know. Cliff.
I've been doing a lot of thinking lately.

About what?

Mostly about you and me.

And about how good things were
between us.

“How good things were“?

I don't know.
It just doesn't seem the same anymore.

It's only that I've been
under a lot of pressure.

You know...

until recently. I was even thinking
of moving in with you.

I don't know if
that would've worked out.

So many things coming down
in my life right now.

Learning how to run this company.

I just don't know if I could handle
a situation like that right at the moment.

- I think it's a question of timing.
- Timing?

Yeah. You know what I mean?

- Yeah. Yeah. I think maybe I do.
- I mean. My hands are really full.

You don't have any idea
how many details I have to deal with.

Yeah. I know. And, Cliff.
I know what excuses sound like too.

It's not an excuse.

Life's little ironies.

Not too long ago you were chasing me.
Now it's turned around.

- Don't be ridiculous.
- Cliff...

There's something wrong. Isn't there?
Something I'm just not seeing.

No. No. no.

Oh. Forget it. I have to leave.

Hey. Wait a minute.
Come on. Hey. Hey.

Just relax.

I'll see you at your opening.

- Hello?
- Cliff, it's Sue Ellen.

I was feeling...

- I don't know.
- You sound depressed.

I am a little.

Well. Put on some coffee.
I'm on my way over.

No. Cliff...

I really just wanted to talk.

Okay.
-

Something to do with me?

It's not anything. Really.

How is John Ross?

Well. J.R. brought him back.

That's a relief. I had this feeling
deep down inside that he wouldn't.

It's this ingenious way of upsetting me.

Talented man.

Yeah. Well.

Cliff...

I really don't know why I called.
Please. Forgive me.

Forgive you? Wait a minute. Now. Listen.
I wish you'd call me more often.

I can understand if you don't want me
to come over right now...

but how about having dinner with me?

Why don't you call me
later on in the week.

That's what I wanna hear.

Goodbye. Cliff.

Bye. Cheer up.

Morning. Teresa.

I can't wait to see the shots
he took yesterday.

I bet some of them are gonna be terrific.

When is the whole portfolio
gonna be ready?

I don't know. I guess that's up to Roger.

Good morning. Mama.

Hi.

Aren't you having breakfast?

- No. I can't. I gotta rush.
- Oh. Don't forget to ask the lawyer.

- Sure.
- Bye. Bye.

Thank you.

May I have some coffee?

Hi. Mr. McGregor.

I'd like it if you would come to
one of my photo sessions someday.

Oh. I'd like to do that.

Grandma?

- Mr. McGregor, what brings you here?
- Ms. Ewing.

- Sit down and have some coffee.
- No. Thank you. I've had my breakfast.

What can I do for you?

Well. I'm real sorry to barge in on you like
this. And it's a little embarrassing...

but it's about the bills.

- What bills?
- Well. They're for quite a few things.

Deliveries to the ranch and such.

Southfork's account's been mounting up.

And Ray hasn't paid you?

No. Ma'am. I feel real bad about
bringing this to you...

but the fact of the matter is
it's getting to be quite a tidy sum...

and we haven't even had a payment
on the account in some time.

But that's awful.

It's just not like him.

Well. Ray's been under
some strain lately.

I understand. Ms. Ewing.

Believe me.
I'm real sorry to bring this to you.

I'm glad you did. I'll talk to Ray.

Thank you. Ma'am.

- Hi.
- Hi. Can I help you?

Yes. I'm Carolyn Carter from
Smithfield and Bennett for Bobby Ewing.

Oh. Yes. Bobby's not in right now.

I have the Palmer-Bates
agreement for him.

Oh. I'll take care of that.
Why don't you come into my office.

- Mail that for me. Will you. Sly.
- Sure.

I didn't realize you were back. I thought
your brother was taking over operations.

Oh. He was just standing in for a while.
Sit down. Girl. Sit down.

Mr. Smithfield will be happy to hear that.
He's been a little apprehensive.

Yeah. Harv can sit back
and sip his whiskey.

Old J.R.'s back on the drilling rig.

We'll be pumping oil real soon.

- He'll be happy to hear that.
- Harv worries too much.

He's had some reason to
with your not being here.

You know how he likes things
legally resolved.

I have a feeling Harv's
looking forward to that big fee...

he's gonna get
for executing my daddy's will.

Mr. Ewing. That's not true.

Mr. Smithfield is only concerned
with how the will could divide...

the ownership of Ewing Oil.

I think Daddy made his feelings clear
on that subject in his letter.

Yes. But that letter
was only a temporary document.

It was only intended to be used
until he returned.

- The will could change things drastically.
- What do you mean?

Well. I've never seen it, of course.
But I would think that in a will...

all of the heirs would be provided for.

- “All the heirs“?
- Present and future included.

He gave John Ross 10 voting shares
because he was the only grandson.

Your brothers could have sons.
And it would seem to me...

that your father's will
would provide for them also.

That could spread
100 shares of stock pretty thin.

Yes. It could.

Well. If there's nothing else. Mr. Ewing.

When those contracts are signed.
I'll send someone over to pick them up.

Thank you very much.
Appreciate it.

BYE. Bye.

Well. Son...

looks like the longer
we delay reading that will...

the better off it might be
for both of us.

Donna. Can you do me a favor
and make me a pot of coffee. Please?

I was just on my way out.

I have some research to do in town.
I'll probably be there all afternoon.

And then I'm going to your family's
for dinner.

Busy lady.

- Hello?
- Ray...

it's Ellie. Would you mind
coming up to the house?

- Right now?
- Yes. Please.

There's some things
I want to talk over with you.

- All right.
- Thank you.

Yes. Ma'am.

So the wife of this couple
that has the baby...

she's starting to ask
a lot of questions.

Oh. Come on. Eric. Let's cut this story.

I've got the baby.
I'm talking about Pam and me.

That's not a total shock to me.

I didn't think it would be.

So. What am I gonna tell her?

Your real problem is not Pam.
You're gonna have legal troubles...

- if you don't straighten this thing.
- I know that already.

I'm your friend. But I'm an attorney too.

There's a limit to how much I can help.
Knowing what I do.

I can't advise you to break the law.

- Eric. I gotta tell her something.
- You could try telling her the truth.

Don't you think I want to?
I'd love to. But it's too late.

I started with a lie.
I've been covering for that ever since.

Well...

since you've already told her
what you did...

you can't pretend
it came from an agency now.

No.

There are a couple of alternatives.

Like what?

Unfortunately. That's as far as I can go.
Knowing what I do.

Oh. Come on. Eric.

This is the number
of a lawyer friend of mine...

Charles Eccles.
He specializes in family law.

He's got a good reputation.
Go see him.

How much should I tell this man?

As a lawyer, it would be
unethical of me...

to advise you to withhold
any information.

All right. $0...

So. What you tell him
is obviously up to you.

Thanks.

I hope you don't think
I'm putting you off.

No. Not at all.
I appreciate everything.

Wouldn't get you in trouble
for the world.

Miss Ellie?

In here.

You wanted to talk to me?

Yes. Sit down, Ray.

Ray. What's going on with the ranch?

[Ma. an]?

Mr. McGregor from the supply store
in Braddock stopped by this morning.

He told me we have
a lot of outstanding bills.

Well. I... I've been meaning
to take care of them. I...

I just...

Just what. Ray?

Well. I guess I just
didn't get around to it yet. Sorry.

It only takes a few minutes
to write a check.

- Yes. Ma'am.
- Ray. This has been a very hard time...

for all of us. J.R.'s been
suffering too. But he's back at work.

And he and Bobby have their hands full
running the company.

All I'm asking is for you to keep
Southfork running the way it always has.

- Yes. Ma'am.
- You're a Ewing. Ray.

And you're gonna have to start
acting like one.

- Sly. Where's Phyllis?
- Oh. She has the flu.

Jordan Lee just called.
Do you wanna speak to him?

- Get him back on the line.
- Okay.

Oh. Bobby. J.R.'s in.

Thank you.

- J.R.
- Bobby. What's up?

Well. First of all.
I'm glad you decided to stop in today.

Somebody is coming over with some
papers on that Palmer-Bates deal.

Think you might stick around
long enough to sign them?

I already did.

Yeah?
I've got Mr. Lee for you, Bobby.

- Line two.
- I'll take it in my office.

I got it.

Hello. Jordan. How you doing?

J.R.? I'm kind of surprised
to hear your voice.

I am the president of the company.

Well. Sure you are...

but been some rumors going around.

Jordan. Believing in rumors
makes poor people out of rich people.

Well, I gotta admit
you sound pretty good.

Well. I feel pretty good.

Bobby's telling me. You're interested
in getting involved with us again.

I thought we'd belt down a couple. And
kick it around a little. What do you say?

The fact is J.R.. Bobby's the one
we wanted to deal with.

Well. I'm the one with authority.

Let's have that drink, talk about it.
What do you say?

Well. Now. I don't know.

Cattlemen's Club, tomorrow at lunch?

All right.

Good. Looking forward to it.

Do you want a pretzel?

No. I better not.
I don't wanna spoil my dinner.

How about something to drink?

No. Grandma wants us at Southfork
by 7:00.

She wants us all to have dinner
like we used to when...

When Granddaddy was here.

- How's she holding on?
- I don't know. It's kind of strange.

It's like she doesn't wanna believe
that Granddaddy...

That Granddaddy's really dead.

Well. It's not a bad idea
to hold onto hope.

Maybe. But...

what is she gonna do
when she has to finally face it?

I don't know. Just try and help her
as much as you can.

I will.

Well. I better go. Traffic's gonna be
pretty bad at this hour.

- Bye.
- Bye.

Miss Ellie. This is great stew.

Well. Now that we're eating
together again...

it's worth making
something special.

Well. You keep it up. Mama.
Because I love it.

I'm sorry Ray isn't here.

He'll be sorry he missed
your good cooking.

Ray was always uncomfortable
eating with the family.

After all. We do use knives and forks.

J.R.. that's not necessary.

I see you're back to
your normal self, J.R.

Disgusting as that may be.

You know. It's unfortunate
Daddy didn't have...

a clearer picture of
how weak Ray is.

I don't think he would ever have
given him those 10 voting shares.

J.R.. I want this dropped right now.

Well. I'm sorry. Mama.

But the whole business
has been on my mind all day.

Harv Smithfield is trying to pressure us
into having him read Daddy's will.

I told Harv distinctly.
I didn't want that done.

I know that. Mama.
I know. And I feel the same.

I'm planning on telling Harv that things
are to stay exactly the way they are.

There's absolutely no reason
to read that will.

And until there is a reason...

it's not gonna get read.

All right. What the hell is going on?

Keep your voice down.
What's eating you?

This business about
not reading Daddy's will.

Yeah. What about it?

He's not alive.

Why are you raising Mama's hopes
like that?

I can't believe you're so unfeeling
about this. Bob.

J.R.. what are you trying to do?

If Mama wants to believe
that Daddy's still alive...

if she gets
any kind of comfort in that...

- who are you to deprive her?
- That's not what she believes.

- Not really.
- We never found his body.

- For all we know. He could still be alive.
- He is not alive...

and you know it.

You seem awfully anxious
to write off your own father.

What I'm saying is, Bobby. If Mama
won't believe that Daddy's dead...

then for her sake, neither will I.

I'm so glad we went out to dinner.
I had a wonderful time, Cliff.

Me too.

What's the matter?

It's getting late.

It wasn't late 10 minutes ago.

So. What is it?
You know how I feel about you.

That was a long time ago. Cliff.

That may be.

But it hasn't changed, not for me.

I'm not ready to have an intense
relationship again...

not right now.

Do you understand?

Do you understand?

I'm trying to.

I'm not over Dusty yet.

It might take a long time
for those wounds to heal.

Okay. I'll try to understand.

Just remember, I'm here
if you need me for anything.

Thank you. Cliff. I appreciate that.

How about tomorrow night?

Not tomorrow.

I'll call you.

I've been waiting for you
to say something all night.

- About what. Sweetheart?
- You know. About the lawyer.

You were gonna see about
Christopher's parents.

- Did you see him?
- Yeah. Yeah. I saw him.

Well. What did he say?

Honey. He was very reluctant
to say anything at all.

Well. He had to say something.

Well. He told me that Christopher's
father was a professional man...

- an engineer, I think.
- That's all?

Sweetheart, it was like pulling teeth
to get him to tell me that much.

Oh. Wait a minute.

This couple doesn't have
any brothers. Sisters...

no parents, no one we could ask?

Not that he knew of. Honey...

Christopher's parents
were fine. Healthy people.

There's no reason to think that...

Christopher's not gonna be
just like them.

Are you sure?

Absolutely.

Oh. Yes. Mr. McGregor, it's Ellie Ewing.

I just wanted to make sure
that the check arrived.

Well. Ma'am. No. It hasn't.

Well. That's strange. I talked to Ray.

Maybe it's in the mail.

Yes. Roy. I suppose it is.

- I'll make sure of that.
- I appreciate that.

- Thank you, Ms. Ewing.
- Goodbye. Mr. McGregor.

Ewing Oil. Oh. Just a moment.
Please. Mrs. Ewing.

Bobby, your mother, line one.

Hello. Mama.

Bobby, {just talked to Mr. McGregor
aver at Braddock.

We have a stack of overdue bills there.

Well. That's Ray's job.

I know. I've talked to him about it.
But he hasn't done anything.

I'll tell you what. I'll stop by
McGregor's on the way home.

Would you? And Bobby.
What about Ray?

I'm getting very concerned about him.

- You want me tn talk tn him?
- Yes. Please.

Okay. No trouble, I'll see you tonight.

Bye. Mama.

- J.R.
- Jordan.

Sure am glad you could come.
Appreciate it. Can I get a drink?

- Bourbon and branch.
- All right. Melinda...

bourbon and branch. Hit me again.

Yes. Sir.

You know. I was...
I was kind of surprised...

at your attitude towards me
on the phone.

- Were you. Now?
- Yeah. Well.

The way you boys treated me
when you held those notes...

I should be the one worried about you.

It just evened things up a bit in our eyes.

Well. If things are evened out...

why don't we start out all over again.

Start out clean.

Now. I know it would have
made my daddy happy.

The reason we went
to Bobby with this...

was out of respect to your daddy.

- Will you be wanting menus. Mr. Ewing?
- No. Thank you.

No. No. That's fine.

Thank you.

The point is. Bobby can't make
a deal without my say-so.

So without me...

there isn't any deal.

I don't know. J.R.

We've had very successful
business in the past.

I guess I wouldn't have any
real problem working with you.

And I think Marilee Stone
will go along with it.

But?

Well. Wade and Andy just don't seem
to wanna get tied up with you again.

Unless something happens
to change their minds...

I'm afraid the Cartel
just can't go ahead with you.

I don't suppose it'd do any good
for me to talk to them personally?

Nobody in the Cartel
will talk to you about anything.

Yeah...

maybe somebody will.

I'm sorry Christopher is so cranky.
But he's been teething.

Poor baby. I understand.

It must be hard on you though.

I don't mind. He's such a sweet baby
the rest of the time.

Is Bobby gonna be home in time
to make our reservations tonight?

- Reservations?
- You know, our dinner at le Provence?

Oh. Pamela. You didn't forget.

I had to go to the station manager
to get them.

I'm sorry. I did forget.

Christopher hasn't been sleeping well.
And I've been worried.

Oh. We won't be gone very long.

Katherine. I hate to disappoint you.

But I don't feel right about leaving
the baby when he's so miserable.

But it would do Bobby
good though to get out.

Maybe the three of you can go together.

Why don't you stay here
till he gets home.

- Well. If you're sure you won't mind?
- Oh. I don't mind.

I know it's difficult
to get reservations...

but I still think we should
wait until Pam can come too.

Christopher won't be teething forever.

- Goodbye. Darling.
- Bye. Mom.

Bye.

I'm celebrating.

It was worth the wait.

To you.

And me.

Penny for your thoughts.

Oh. I was just thinking about
old Jordan Lee and the boys.

You know. I hate to repeat myself.

I don't mind if you repeat yourself. J.R.

Well. I think Jordan would be willing
to commit to me.

But I need to know
if I can count on you for some help.

Well. You can certainly count
on me for anything. J.R.

Honey. I need your help to bring
old Wade and Andy around.

I really do.

Oh. I think I can do that.

Well. Then we got no problem. Do we?

Nothing is a problem.

Oh. My mama is gonna be
so happy to know...

that we're all working together again.

Well. Anything for Mama.

I'm having a little party
this Saturday night.

Why don't you come on by.

Saturday night?

Oh. I got my little boy this weekend.

Dinner's at night.

He'll be sleeping.
You'll have somebody watch him.

Well. I can't.

I can't leave him to go
to a dinner party. Honey.

I just couldn't do that. I only
get him on weekends, see.

What do you do?
Sit there and watch him asleep?

No.

In case he wakes up.
I want him to know his daddy's there.

You got to understand. John Ross is the
most important thing in the world to me.

Nothing goes before him.

Ray. .-

this place is dead.

Why don't we drive over
to Billy Bob's at Fort Worth.

Do a little heel kicking. Huh?

I'm all right here.

The Austin Outlaw band is over there.

You used to think
they were something else.

I'm not in much
of a mood to dance, honey.

Ray. .-

I want to talk to you.

Start moving your mouth.

Hi. I'm Bonnie.

- You're Ray's brother. Aren't you?
- Yes.

Would you excuse us. Please?

I'd like to discuss a few things with Ray.

All right. Ray. What's going on?

I'm standing here having a beer. Bob.

I'm talking about the ranch.
Things are falling apart.

I had to pay McGregor's feed bill.

- That's something you should've done.
- I would've.

Damn it. McGregor shouldn't have
to go to Mama.

You don't have to put that on her.

I didn't mean to put anything
on anybody. Bob.

But you did. She talked to you.
And you still didn't do it.

Will you just get off my back. Please?

As soon as you shape up. And shape up
means running Southfork...

- the way it's supposed to.
- Who do you think...

you're talking to. Anyway?

I've stopped caring about how
you run your life...

but there is work to do. And if you
don't want to...

I'll find somebody who will.

The hell you will.

Well. You just try me.

Come on. I'm trying you right now.
Come on. Hit me.

Hit me!

You're not worth hitting. Ray.

Come on. Let's have a drink and forget it.

He was probably afraid
to fight you, anyway.

Bobby's not afraid of anything.

He just didn't see anything
worth fighting.

Let's get out of here.

You didn't tell me
that Afton would be singing here.

I'm sorry. I didn't know.
I just heard this club was opening.

I thought you'd enjoy getting
all dressed up and going out.

We don't have to stay. Sue Ellen.

I mean. We can go somewhere else.
If you prefer?

No. It's all right.
We're already here.

Listen to them. You're a hit.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Don't thank me. You're the one
that did the singing.

You got me the job.

You're gonna make it on your own
talent. I just gave you a boost.

Come on.

Thank you.

- Excuse me for just a moment.
- Aren't you gonna sit down with me?

I'm gonna sit with you.
But I need to say hello to somebody.

Hi. Sue Ellen. Surprised to see you.

I'm Cliff Barnes.
We met at the Southfork barbecue.

I remember. Your friend
over there has quite a nice voice.

It's business more than friendship.

I happen to know the owner
of this place. And I recommended her.

That's very nice.

You two have a nice evening.

- It isn't your work at all. Is it?
- What?

The reason you don't want me
to move in with you.

Ray. .-

I knew it would be good
being with you again.

But I didn't know it'd be this good.

Maybe it's because you haven't been
with anybody but your wife for so long.

No. Sir. I'd forgotten.

I don't know how I did. But I did.

It's gonna be just like
old times again. Isn't it. Ray?

- May I fix you an after-dinner drink?
- I'd love one.

I'm sorry about tonight.
It must have been awkward for you.

Oh. I stopped crying over J.R.'s
girlfriends long before the divorce.

Girlfriends?

Afton. Isn't that what you meant?

Well. No. I didn't know about her.

I thought your unhappiness
had something to do with Cliff Barnes.

Cliff.

No, Why?

Seeing them together
seemed to upset you.

Why do you think that?

Just a feeling I got.

We're just old friends.

We share a common emotion.

We both loathe J.R. Ewing.

Well. I'm still sorry
that I took you there.

You know the last thing in the world
I'd ever want to do...

is to cause you unhappiness.

I'll be right back.

Well. I took care of it, Mama.

I paid McGregor myself.

Thank you. Bobby.

- Did you talk to Ray?
- Oh. Yeah. I talked to him.

Yeah. Was he vertical or horizontal?

He's in pretty bad shape.

He doesn't seem to care about anything.

Where did you find him?

- The Long View Bar.
- I knew he wouldn't be vertical.

J.R.

Mama. Ray's got so much
going for him.

He just seems to wanna
throw it all away.

Well. I don't think he's got
that much going for him.

And as for throwing things away...

he's doing what our brother
Gary would be doing.

What's that supposed to mean?

Honey. It means that Ray just
doesn't have the strength...

of character of a real Ewing.

Oh. Of course. That's understandable
in his case. You know.

You really do like to kick people
when they're down.

All I'm saying is I'm glad that Mama
didn't schedule another voting meeting.

The only way we'd get Ray there
to vote his shares is to hold it in a bar.

He'd like to see
Ray out of the family...

so he could steal his 10 voting shares.

Well. I don't like to hear J.R.
talk like that about Ray...

but unfortunately.
Ray has made himself an easy target.

- Well. I sure didn't think you'd do it.
- Oh. Yeah?

But you did.

Well. It's a nice little deal.

It's not gonna change
our lifestyles, but it will prop it up.

Well. Now you know. J.R...

it wasn't easy to decide to do business
with you after that strip-mining deal.

Tell him straight. We did it for Jock.

Well. I appreciate it. I really do.

We all loved your daddy. J.R.

Let's make this good for him.

You got it.

We'll see you, now.

Come on. Boys.

Oh. J.R.. I've got some messages
here for you.

They came in during the meeting.

No.

I'm sorry. Daddy. I let you down.

I just flat gave up...

back there at that swamp.

You were gone. It was all over.

It didn't seem like there was anything
worth going on for for me.

And I almost forgot...

you left us something.
You left us the company.

You built Ewing Oil from the ground up.

And whatever it took.
You did it for Ewing Oil.

And I'm going to do the same.

I'm gonna pass it on
bigger and stronger to my son.

I'm back. Daddy.

And nobody's gonna take
Ewing Oil away from me...

or my son or his son.

I swear to you...

by God. I'm gonna
make you proud of me.