S9E21
In the final episode of Dallas Season 5, viewers were in for an emotional ride as Cliff Barnes faces heartbreak, Bobby reveals Christopher's true parentage, Clayton makes a return, and Lucy reveals a terrible secret.
Goodbye, Cliff Barnes: Season 5, Episode 26
Dallas, the iconic TV series of the 80s, was known for its compelling storylines, captivating characters, and unforgettable cliffhangers. In the season 5 finale, titled “Goodbye, Cliff Barnes,” the writers did not disappoint as they took viewers on an emotional rollercoaster with several jaw-dropping revelations and unexpected returns.
Overview
The episode opens with Cliff Barnes (Ken Kercheval) devastated by Sue Ellen’s (Linda Gray) return to J.R. (Larry Hagman), his arch-nemesis and Sue Ellen’s ex-husband. Meanwhile, Bobby (Patrick Duffy) comes clean and reveals Christopher’s true parentage to Pam (Victoria Principal). Clayton (Howard Keel) also makes a return to Southfork, and Lucy (Charlene Tilton) admits to a terrible secret. As the episode unfolds, viewers are left on the edge of their seats, wondering what will happen next.
Cliff’s Heartbreak
The episode begins with a distraught Cliff Barnes, who has just learned that Sue Ellen has returned to J.R. Cliff is devastated, having recently rekindled his romance with Sue Ellen. Ken Kercheval‘s acting in this scene is exceptional, as he conveys the pain and heartbreak of a man who has lost the love of his life. Viewers can’t help but feel sympathetic towards Cliff as he struggles to come to terms with Sue Ellen’s betrayal.
A Shocking Discovery
Later in the episode, Afton (Audrey Landers) visits Cliff and makes a shocking discovery. She learns that the Ewing family, J.R. in particular, had been manipulating Cliff all along, causing his oil rigs to fail and driving him to the brink of bankruptcy. Afton’s discovery is a turning point in the episode, as it reveals the extent of J.R.’s cruelty towards Cliff. Audrey Landers’ performance in this scene is excellent, as she conveys both shock and anger towards the Ewings.
Bobby’s Revelation
In a parallel storyline, Bobby reveals to Pam that Christopher’s true parentage is not what they had previously thought. In an emotional scene, Bobby explains that Christopher is not his biological son, but rather the son of his brother J.R. and his former wife, Kristin. Victoria Principal‘s acting in this scene is outstanding, as she conveys the shock and heartbreak of a woman who has just learned that her child is not biologically hers. The revelation sets the stage for future storylines and creates a sense of uncertainty about what the future holds for Bobby and Pam.
Clayton’s Return
As if the episode couldn’t get any more dramatic, Clayton makes a return to Southfork. Clayton, who had previously been absent from the show for some time, comes back to support Miss Ellie (Barbara Bel Geddes) during a difficult time. Howard Keel‘s acting in this scene is excellent, as he conveys the warmth and compassion of a man who cares deeply for his family.
Lucy’s Terrible Secret
Finally, Lucy admits to a terrible secret that has been weighing on her conscience for some time. She reveals that she had an abortion, a controversial topic in the 80s, particularly for a prime-time television show. Charlene Tilton‘s acting in this scene is superb, as she conveys the guilt and shame of a young woman who has made a difficult decision and is now struggling to come to terms with it. The scene is poignant and emotional, and it highlights the struggles that many women faced in the 80s when it came to reproductive rights.
As the episode comes to a close, viewers are left with a sense of uncertainty about what the future holds for the characters. Will Cliff seek revenge against J.R.? What will happen to Bobby and Pam’s relationship now that they know the truth about Christopher’s parentage? And how will Lucy deal with the aftermath of her decision?
Final Thoughts
In the season 5 finale of Dallas, viewers were treated to an emotional rollercoaster of an episode, with heartbreak, shocking discoveries, and unexpected returns. Ken Kercheval, Audrey Landers, Victoria Principal, Howard Keel, and Charlene Tilton all deliver outstanding performances that leave viewers on the edge of their seats. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, setting the stage for future storylines and leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the next season.
As we look back on this iconic TV series, it’s clear that “Goodbye, Cliff Barnes” was a standout episode. It tackled controversial topics, highlighted the struggles of its characters, and kept viewers engaged from start to finish. It’s no wonder that Dallas remains a beloved series to this day, and that fans continue to revisit this episode time and time again.
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About Author/Editor
Dora Saparow
Before retirement, Dora was the editor and publisher of various online magazines. For example, she edited and published GEnie Lamp – an online magazine for General Electric’s Information Service (GEIS) – and the BBS Magazine, TeleTalk Online.
Now retired, Dora and her husband, Mike, enjoy RV traveling, camping, and meeting fellow campers.
