Dallas Boss Reveals Plan To 'Embrace Bad More' In Season 3 By Loading Up On Multiple J.R.s

By Matt Webb Mitovich

Dallas EP 302

Dallas EP 302 HEADING FOR A WEDDING? Even though they've already eloped, Pamela will throw caution to the wind and agree to a "proper wedding" at Southfork -- again -- though this time to Christopher's cousin, John Ross. She just might want to rethink having Emma help out with the preparations, no?

HEADING FOR A WEDDING?

Even though they've already eloped, Pamela will throw caution to the wind and agree to a "proper wedding" at Southfork — again — though this time to Christopher's cousin, John Ross. She just might want to rethink having Emma help out with the preparations, no?

Dallas EP 302

Dallas EP 302 HERE COMES TROUBLE Originally introduced as a pawn in Harris' game to taunt ex-wife Ann, Emma soon enough showed her shadier side, and opens Season 3 by helping redefine for John Ross the idea of a "morning ride." The two then sort through the contents of her father's accordion file, which she snatched at the close of Season 2. "There’s one thing in there that’s major, that plays all the way up until the last episode," Cidre says.

HERE COMES TROUBLE

Originally introduced as a pawn in Harris' game to taunt ex-wife Ann, Emma soon enough showed her shadier side, and opens Season 3 by helping redefine for John Ross the idea of a "morning ride." The two then sort through the contents of her father's accordion file, which she snatched at the close of Season 2. "There's one thing in there that's major, that plays all the way up until the last episode," Cidre says.

Dallas EP 301

Dallas EP 301 A NEW LOOK, A NEW LOVEChristopher (Jesse Metcalfe) -- having sprouted a beard in the 12-hour time jump? -- is first seen chopping a lot of wood (not a euphemism) as he moves on without Elena, who unbeknownst to him learned from Cliff Barnes how J.R. cheated her family out of oil-rich land many years ago. But of course, no Ewing boy stays lonely for long. "Let's just say that Christopher finds another girlfriend...."

A NEW LOOK, A NEW LOVE

Christopher (Jesse Metcalfe) — having sprouted a beard in the 12-hour time jump? — is first seen chopping a lot of wood (not a euphemism) as he moves on without Elena, who unbeknownst to him learned from Cliff Barnes how J.R. cheated her family out of oil-rich land many years ago. But of course, no Ewing boy stays lonely for long. "Let's just say that Christopher finds another girlfriend...."

Dallas EP 301

Dallas EP 301 NEW GIRL Former 90210 resident AnnaLynne McCord's character, Heather, is "a no-nonsense ranch hand who grew up with four brothers, so she’s very direct. Which Christopher enjoys," Cidre says. "She kisses him right away, so they have a nice relationship together. He will be with her for several episodes." But all is not bliss after said kiss. "She has an ex-husband and that’s a problem, of course -- because what would Dallas be without problems?"

NEW GIRL

Former 90210 resident AnnaLynne McCord's character, Heather, is "a no-nonsense ranch hand who grew up with four brothers, so she's very direct. Which Christopher enjoys," Cidre says. "She kisses him right away, so they have a nice relationship together. He will be with her for several episodes." But all is not bliss after said kiss. "She has an ex-husband and that's a problem, of course — because what would Dallas be without problems?"

TNT Dallas Ep 212, Photo: Zade Rosenthal, Dallas, TX

TNT Dallas Ep 212, Photo: Zade Rosenthal, Dallas, TX BOBBY'S NEW 'J.R.'John Ross has big plans for Southfork -- and they don't just involve a major reno that would add, among other things, "a billiards room the size of a saloon" -- and that will pit him against his Uncle Bobby as well as Christopher. "Bobby is still Bobby and he’s still fighting J.R. in many ways," says Cidre. "With John Ross, it’s move, countermove, move, countermove." Meanwhile at the office, Bobby's bold bid to secure Ewing Global a critical resource will be waylaid by a most unexpected person.

BOBBY'S NEW 'J.R.'

John Ross has big plans for Southfork — and they don't just involve a major reno that would add, among other things, "a billiards room the size of a saloon" — and that will pit him against his Uncle Bobby as well as Christopher. "Bobby is still Bobby and he's still fighting J.R. in many ways," says Cidre. "With John Ross, it's move, countermove, move, countermove." Meanwhile at the office, Bobby's bold bid to secure Ewing Global a critical resource will be waylaid by a most unexpected person.

Dallas EP 301

Dallas EP 301 A SOBERING REALITY Sue Ellen starts off Season 3 high if not dry, energized by the idea of being John Ross' ally as Ewing Global forges ahead into the future. But she soon enough will be faced with a rude awakening, reminding her just how close apples fall near the tree. "She’s going to go off the wagon bad before it gets better," says Cidre. "It gets at its worst in Episode 9, and then she starts to recover."

A SOBERING REALITY

Sue Ellen starts off Season 3 high if not dry, energized by the idea of being John Ross' ally as Ewing Global forges ahead into the future. But she soon enough will be faced with a rude awakening, reminding her just how close apples fall near the tree. "She's going to go off the wagon bad before it gets better," says Cidre. "It gets at its worst in Episode 9, and then she starts to recover."

Dallas EP 301

Dallas EP 301 BACK WITH A VENGEANCEElena got outta Dodge fast after her and Christopher's break-up, but upon reconnecting with her friend at that heavily fortified compound, she slinks back into the Ewing Global mix -- harboring a secret agenda.

BACK WITH A VENGEANCE

Elena got outta Dodge fast after her and Christopher's break-up, but upon reconnecting with her friend at that heavily fortified compound, she slinks back into the Ewing Global mix — harboring a secret agenda.

24174_001_2379_R

24174_001_2379_R THIS NICHOLAS IS NO SAINT Juan Pablo di Pace debuts in the Season 3 opener as someone with whom the Ewings must contend, barely moments after they have rechristened Cliff's company as Ewing Global. Cidre describes his character as "a Sir James Goldsmith-type financier/corporate raider" – a role the producers for a moment feared they wouldn’t be able to cast. "We read probably 50 actors for the part… and almost gave up. And then our casting director called and he said, 'There’s this guy who just came in from Spain and he self-taped an audition. Let me send it to you.' I watched it with [EP] Mike Robin and we’re like, 'Are we crazy or is this pretty good?!'" As an unexpected bonus, not only does Di Pace wear a suit well and come off as extremely sophisticated, but he's got moves beyond the boardroom, as well. As Cidre relates, "There’s a scene at the barbecue where a band's playing… and suddenly Juan Pablo, who nobody really knows yet, is dancing with Julie Gonzalo (Pamela) and it's like, 'Oh my God, he's like a professional.... Who are you?" Watch for Nicholas to share "a lovely relationship" with vengeful Elena.

THIS NICHOLAS IS NO SAINT

Juan Pablo di Pace debuts in the Season 3 opener as someone with whom the Ewings must contend, barely moments after they have rechristened Cliff's company as Ewing Global. Cidre describes his character as "a Sir James Goldsmith-type financier/corporate raider" – a role the producers for a moment feared they wouldn't be able to cast. "We read probably 50 actors for the part... and almost gave up. And then our casting director called and he said, 'There's this guy who just came in from Spain and he self-taped an audition. Let me send it to you.' I watched it with [EP] Mike Robin and we're like, 'Are we crazy or is this pretty good?!'" As an unexpected bonus, not only does Di Pace wear a suit well and come off as extremely sophisticated, but he's got moves beyond the boardroom, as well. As Cidre relates, "There's a scene at the barbecue where a band's playing... and suddenly Juan Pablo, who nobody really knows yet, is dancing with Julie Gonzalo (Pamela) and it's like, 'Oh my God, he's like a professional.... Who are you?" Watch for Nicholas to share "a lovely relationship" with vengeful Elena.

Dallas EP 302

Dallas EP 302 OH, MOTHER! "We literally call her 'J.R.' as in Judith Ryland," Cidre says of Judith Light's encore as incarcerated (?) Harris' mommy dearest. "We use her more this season, and I must say that you’re going to love her. You’ve never seen Judith Light like this, and you just laugh out loud because she’s so deliciously wicked. She loves it, and we love her." As for what's on tap for the "seriously dysfunctional" mother-and-son duo, Cidre will only advise: "Fasten your seatbelt!"

OH, MOTHER!

"We literally call her 'J.R.' as in Judith Ryland," Cidre says of Judith Light's encore as incarcerated (?) Harris' mommy dearest. "We use her more this season, and I must say that you're going to love her. You've never seen Judith Light like this, and you just laugh out loud because she's so deliciously wicked. She loves it, and we love her." As for what's on tap for the "seriously dysfunctional" mother-and-son duo, Cidre will only advise: "Fasten your seatbelt!"

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