Can people really change? Or are we forever locked into repeating the same destructive (to self and others) behaviors? And if so, do we ascribe that to outside influences, the composition of our personalities, or some combinations of the two?
[Keanu Reeves head shake]
Sorry. So if last week's episode was all about focus on the family (ugh), last night's penultimate installment examined the potential for change, with J.R., Rebecca, and John Ross and Christopher all coming to decision points about their futures.
With mixed results.
We start with a question from Elena (Jordana Brewster): "Have you seen my other boot anywhere?" Only in Texas. And maybe Wyoming. She's pissed at J.R. for getting his son into this mess, while John Ross (Josh Henderson) attempts to charm her into submission. Tough to do with the evidence of your jail beatdown still all over your face.
Christopher (Jesse Metcalfe) accompanies Rebecca (Julie Gonzalo) to her baby doc appointment, telling her that in spite of everything, their new family is what "really matters." The brief moment of tranquility is interrupted by the return of toolbag "brother" Tommy (Callard Harris...even the name "Callard" is kind of grating), who breaks into Southfork. Tommy's tune is as annoyingly consistent as ever: get him Christopher's methane extraction plans or blah blah world of hurt blah blah.
Sue Ellen (Linda Gray) gets a visit from Harris (Mitch Pileggi), who's eager to capitalize on her goof with the ME (wow, that was quick). He wants to launder money through her campaign, or something, or he's going to -- I don't know -- go to the cops with a he said/she said accusation about bribery. Yeah, airtight blackmail scheme, Harris.
And hold the phone, Frank (Faran Tahir) is the buyer Tommy's trying to get the extraction techology for? Meaning Cliff is the actual buyer? Ooh la la. Frank's also a lot less pliable. All balls, Tommy wants to renegotiate the terms of the sale in the wake of Exxon's interest. Frank agrees, but, you know, with threats.
John Ross and Elena have a plan to retrieve the oil under Southfork through slant drilling, thereby allowing Bobby to buy out the Venezuelans and preserve Miss Ellie's dying wishes. They present the idea to Bobby (Patrick Duffy). Slant drill Southfork? It's so crazy it just might work! Christopher doesn't see it as an altogether altruistic move, but before fisticuffs ensue, Bobby collapses. Never a dull moment.
[Commercial time with Martin Scorsese: "Siri, what can I do about these eyebrows?"]
Bobby is suffering from a "brain cloud," er, seizure. Elena lets slip to John Ross about Bobby's cancer, and about how Bobby didn't want him to find out because he knew he and J.R. would use it to get Southfork. This news isn't well received.
Turns out Bobby actually has a cerebral aneurysm, but refuses to wait at the hospital. "If it's really my time to go, I don't want to be surrounded by strangers."
So they hire a nurse. Okay.
Rebecca drops by to offer sympathy and a back rub. She also contemplates stealing Christopher's keycard for Tommy, but once again thinks better of it.
And J.R.'s back, to Ann's (Brenda Strong) considerable dismay. In spite of his owning the deed to the ranch -- and therefore perfectly within his rights to be there -- she threatens to shoot him in the balls. Annie sure does like to get her gun. Meanwhile, Bobby and Christopher (all together now) share a tender moment where Bobby confesses wanting peace for the family. Shall we collectively hold our breath?
