S12E08
"Carter McKay, brought to life by George Kennedy, was a force in Dallas. This dive into his complex character and commanding on-screen presence is a must-read!"
George Kennedy (Carter Mckay)
You may know George Kennedy as the tough and cunning character of Carter McKay in the hit TV series Dallas. As the new owner of Ray Krebbs’ ranch, Carter quickly made enemies with the Ewing family, leading to a range war that lasted several seasons. Kennedy’s portrayal of Carter was a standout performance that kept fans on the edge of their seats as they watched the drama unfold between the two families.
Overview
The character of Carter McKay was a complex and intriguing addition to the Dallas cast, and George Kennedy brought him to life with a commanding presence on screen. From his damming of the river through Southfork during a drought to his hiring of mercenaries for protection, Carter was a force to be reckoned with. In this article, we will delve deeper into George Kennedy’s portrayal of Carter McKay, his relationships with the other characters, and his impact on the overall plot of Dallas. So, sit back and get ready to explore the world of Carter McKay and the man who brought him to life – George Kennedy.
Carter is a wealthy businessman who buys Ray Krebbs‘ ranch and becomes enemies with the Ewing family. His main motivation throughout the show is to increase his power and wealth, often resorting to ruthless tactics to achieve his goals. Carter’s development as a character is marked by his shifting alliances and increasing willingness to engage in violent conflict with his enemies. He appears in the reunion films J.R. Returns and War of the Ewings, where he continues to scheme and plot against the Ewings.
Carter’s impact on the show’s storyline and legacy is significant. As one of the main villains of the later seasons, he represents a shift in the show’s focus from family drama to corporate intrigue and political machinations. His rivalry with J.R. Ewing, in particular, is a highlight of the show’s later years. Carter’s character also reflects the changing cultural and political landscape of the 1980s, with its emphasis on greed, ambition, and cutthroat competition. In terms of comparisons with other notable Dallas villains, Carter is often compared to J.R. himself, as both characters are ruthless businessmen who will stop at nothing to get what they want.
Character Description
This section on the character description of the infamous Carter McKay is so jam-packed with details that it feels like it could burst at the seams. Carter is a complex character, with his motivations and goals driving much of the plot in Dallas. A former enemy turned ally, Carter’s impact on the Ewing family is undeniable.
Character analysis of Carter McKay reveals that he is a shrewd businessman who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. His ultimate goal is to control the oil business, and he will use any means necessary to achieve it. However, behind the facade of a heartless businessman lies a man with a deep love for his daughter, Tracey Lawton. This love is what ultimately drives him to leave Dallas during the final season, in search of her.
Carter McKay’s impact on the plot of Dallas is significant. He dams up the river through Southfork during a drought, hires mercenaries to protect himself, and instigates a range war between himself and the Ewings. His actions ultimately lead to the shooting of Fred Hughes, a close friend of the Ewing family. Carter’s impact on the plot continues throughout the series, as he seeks to gain control of Ewing Oil and incorporate it into WestStar. With this in mind, let’s explore Carter’s actions and events in further detail.
Actions and Events
As the plot of Dallas unfolds, the actions and events surrounding Carter McKay’s pursuit of oil industry dominance become increasingly intricate. McKay, in his ruthless quest for power, dams up the river through Southfork during a drought and hires mercenaries to protect himself. This leads to a range war between McKay and the Ewing family, with Fred Hughes almost shooting Bobby’s son Christopher. In the ensuing confrontation, McKay shoots and kills Fred, further escalating the conflict.
McKay continues to seek control through deals and swindles. He fronts a range war for Jeremy Wendell and even manages to swindle J.R. Ewing out of control of Ewing Oil and WestStar. McKay then plans to buy Ewing Oil and incorporate it into WestStar. In War of the Ewings, he seeks to make a deal with Ewing Oil and even makes a secret deal with Nicolas Trevino to take control of Ewing Global. McKay’s actions are cunning and ruthless, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.
Moving forward, McKay’s relationships with the Ewings become increasingly strained. His range war with them and the shooting of Fred Hughes only serve to deepen the divide. McKay’s laughter at John Ross Ewing over tricking J.R. the same way only highlights the animosity between the two families. Despite this, McKay remains a significant player in the Dallas oil industry, always looking for his next opportunity to increase his power and wealth.
Relationships with Ewings
You’re probably wondering how McKay’s relationship with the Ewings evolved over time, and let me tell you, it was a rocky road filled with range wars, swindles, and even a fatal shooting. The strained relationship between Carter McKay and the Ewing family started when he bought Ray Krebbs’ ranch, which was adjacent to Southfork. The Ewings and McKay soon found themselves in a range war over water rights, leading Carter to dam up the river through Southfork during a drought.
Past conflicts continued to escalate between the Ewings and McKay. Fred Hughes almost shot Bobby’s son Christopher, and when the Ewings confronted Carter, he shot Fred. Carter also fronted a range war for Jeremy Wendell, which damaged his relationship with the Ewings even further. However, despite all these conflicts, there were moments of potential reconciliation between Carter McKay and the Ewing family. In War of the Ewings, McKay sought to make a deal with Ewing Oil, and even laughed at John Ross Ewing, admitting that he had tricked J.R. the same way.
Despite these potential moments of reconciliation, Carter McKay’s relationship with the Ewings remained strained. McKay’s swindling of J.R. led to his takeover of Ewing Oil and WestStar, and his plans to buy Ewing Oil and incorporate it into WestStar were not well-received by the Ewings. Additionally, McKay made a secret deal with Nicolas Trevino to take control of Ewing Global, which only further damaged his relationship with the Ewings. It remains to be seen if there will ever be a true reconciliation between the Ewings and Carter McKay.
Moving on to other facts and trivia, it’s worth noting that George Kennedy won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Carter McKay in 1990. Additionally, McKay’s grandson, Hunter, appeared in the 2012 revival of Dallas. Lastly, it’s interesting to note that the character of Carter McKay was originally intended to be a one-season antagonist, but the writers were so impressed with George Kennedy’s performance that they brought him back for multiple seasons.
Other Facts and Trivia
Don’t miss out on these interesting tidbits about the character played by the award-winning actor, George Kennedy (Carter McKay). Did you know that McKay was originally supposed to be a one-season antagonist but ended up becoming a recurring character due to the actor’s exceptional performance? Kennedy’s portrayal of the ruthless oil tycoon earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 1990.
Before his iconic role on Dallas, Kennedy had a successful career in film and television. He made his film debut in 1960 and went on to appear in over 200 films and TV shows, including Cool Hand Luke, Airport, and The Naked Gun series. He also served in the U.S. Army and worked as a radio DJ.
Kennedy’s performance as Carter McKay on Dallas was not only memorable but also earned him critical acclaim. In addition to his Emmy win, he was nominated for a Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Villain: Prime Time and a TV Land Award for Favorite Villain. His legacy as an accomplished actor lives on through his impressive body of work and numerous accolades.
As you can see, George Kennedy (Carter McKay) was much more than just a recurring character on Dallas. His early career, awards and recognition, and impressive body of work make him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Now, let’s take a closer look at his legacy and impact.
Legacy and Impact
His unforgettable portrayal of the ruthless oil tycoon on Dallas left a lasting impact on the industry and continues to be remembered by fans. George Kennedy’s character, Carter McKay, was a force to be reckoned with in the Dallas universe. He made enemies with the Ewing family and caused a range war between them, but it was his scheming and swindling that truly set him apart. Carter sought to take control of Ewing Oil and incorporate it into WestStar, which would have been a huge blow to the Ewings. His legacy as one of J.R.’s enemies is cemented in television history.
Carter McKay’s impact on the Ewing family cannot be understated. He was a thorn in their side, constantly trying to take control of their land and business. His actions forced the Ewings to band together and fight against him, which ultimately led to his downfall. Despite his villainous ways, Carter was a complex character who added depth to the show. His return in the 2012 revival series was a nod to his importance in the Dallas universe and a reminder of his lasting impact on the Ewing family.
In conclusion, George Kennedy’s portrayal of Carter McKay was a defining moment in his career and left a lasting impression on Dallas fans. His character’s legacy and impact on the Ewing family was significant and brought a new level of drama to the show. While he may have been a villain, Carter McKay was a necessary addition to the Dallas universe and his return in the revival series was a testament to his enduring popularity.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, George Kennedy’s portrayal of Carter McKay in Dallas was a masterful performance that elevated the show’s tension and drama. McKay’s actions and events, such as the damming of the river and the hiring of mercenaries, created an intense range war between himself and the Ewings that kept viewers on the edge of their seats. His relationships with the Ewings were fraught with animosity and betrayal, adding to the complex web of intrigue that made Dallas such a hit.
Kennedy’s legacy as Carter McKay lives on in the hearts and minds of Dallas fans, and his impact on the show cannot be overstated. Like a raging river, McKay’s character flowed through the series, wreaking havoc and leaving a lasting impression on the audience. His presence was a testament to the power of great acting and storytelling, and his contributions to Dallas will be remembered for years to come.
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