If you grew up in the 1980s in Ireland, you'll remember 'Dallas' (TV3) as part of a modernising influence in the land thirty years ago. It was condemned from pulpits, complained about on the Gay Byrne Radio Show and spawned an appalling but emminently catchy 'Country N' Irish' hit, 'I Shot JR'. It got huge ratings; even allowing for the lack of channels, it brought in the viewers. How does it bear up to the original? The older cast members are mortal after all, and have noticeably aged; although Linda Gray, legs of Mrs Robinson in the 'Graduate' movie poster, still looks pretty good (however who knows what magical face stuff the some of the cast has been using to stay young)? There's still the same story - the Ewings and their Oil, good and bad (Bobby and JR) and Larry Hagman still exudes baddy-ness, perfect as a the Miltonic Satan, a decent actor in his own right (remember his turn in 'Primary Colours?'). While 'thetvreviewguy' probably won't be following the series, it still has the iconic opening theme (with the Credit Montage updated) and while there's still lashings of sex (no nudity of course), and some nice bits in dialogue, the younger characters just ain't got the moxy of their 1980s predecessors. But as a nostalgia trip, and a smart take on the attractions of villains, it's still pretty good and reassuring, remnding us in the background that Rick Perry won't be President.
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