J.R. gives it another shot on 'Dallas'

What happened to J.R.? Twenty-one years later, we have our answer, and it's not giving away much of anything to reveal that he has survived. Yes, he's much older and clinically depressed, and Bobby is pretty much the only one who still visits him. His own son, John Ross (Josh Henderson) -- as the acorn that didn't fall too far from the tree -- barely ever does.

Bobby has cancer, which he's kept secret even from his beloved wife, Ann (Brenda Strong). A major life decision is at hand: Whether to sell the family ranch, Southfork, to a land conservancy to fund the methane gas extraction technique of son Christopher (Jesse Metcalfe). John Ross, who just discovered oil on the property, is not happy, and you can bet J.R. himself has some thoughts about this plan.

There's a rich legacy here, so relaunches -- even with Hagman, Linda Gray (reprising her role as J.R.'s ex-wife, Sue Ellen) and Duffy aboard -- should proceed at their own risk. Has TNT screwed this one up? Not at all. Showrunner Cynthia Cidre's reimagining is slick, sharply drawn and full of the usual treachery. Everyone still has a secret -- even Bobby -- and J.R. is still one step ahead. The new series belongs to the young cast members, but the old-timers give it heart and, yes, love. Hagman, Gray and Duffy even look like they're enjoying themselves.