Dallas
Digger's Daughter
Season 1, Episode 1 · Aired 1978-04-02
Synopsis
Dallas begins with a Romeo and Juliet theme. Bobby James Ewing, the youngest of the Ewing sons, marrying Pamela Barnes. Pamela (Pam) is the daughter of Digger Barnes who just happens to be the enemy of the the head of the Ewing Family, Jock Ewing. Digger also shared a romantic past with Jock's wife Ellie. The marriage does not sit well with any of the Ewings. Sue Ellen resents the newcomer, Lucy tries to intimidate her from the beginning, and Jock is furious. J.R reacts the most strongly, trying to break up the couple by using Ray Krebbs, the ranch foreman of Southfork, to break the couple up. Ray had a brief fling with Pamela Barnes, and J.R hopes this will end the marriage.
From the desk: Dallas opens its catalog run with “Digger's Daughter” (1978-04-02). Event spoiler culture and reboot-proof oil-opera mythology. The dream season, cast contracts, and international J.R. mania.
In the series
This episode is part of Dallas (1978–1991) on CBS.
Who shot J.R.? — the cliffhanger that taught TV how to own a summer.
Key cast
- Larry Hagman as J.R. Ewing
- Patrick Duffy as Bobby Ewing
- Linda Gray as Sue Ellen Ewing
- Victoria Principal as Pamela Barnes Ewing
- Barbara Bel Geddes as Miss Ellie Ewing
- Jim Davis as Jock Ewing