S3E23
S3E23
Table of Contents
ToggleThe episode begins with Sue Ellen reconsidering her decision to leave Southfork. Struck by grief after Bobby’s funeral, she tells Dusty she plans to return. This moment of vulnerability exposes a softer side of Sue Ellen, who is typically seen as an embodiment of resilience and strength.
However, her return to Southfork is met with hostility from J.R., whose cold rejection drives Sue Ellen back to the arms of her old nemesis – alcohol. This harsh interaction serves as a poignant reminder of the tumultuous relationship between Sue Ellen and J.R., a dynamic that remains a consistent underlying thread in the series.
As the family gathers to hear Bobby’s will, a shocking revelation leaves them stunned – Bobby has left his share of Ewing Oil to Christopher, in Pam’s trust. This unexpected twist throws the Ewing family into disarray. J.R.’s disdain for potentially partnering with Pam and Cliff’s eager ambition to acquire Pam’s shares add a new layer of tension and conflict to the show’s narrative.
The episode takes a dark turn when Sue Ellen, in her drunken state, is taken advantage of by a man who robs her of her Mercedes. The next morning, she finds herself disoriented and lost without her purse, identification, or any sense of herself. This sequence not only cements Sue Ellen’s downward spiral but also offers a stark commentary on the destructive power of alcohol.
In a poignant scene, Sue Ellen rejects a bag lady’s offer of a drink, showcasing her deep-seated disdain for her current predicament. This scene offers a stark contrast to later when Sue Ellen, in her desperation, returns to the bag lady and greedily shares her bottle of cheap wine – a symbol of her hitting rock bottom.
Meanwhile, other characters grapple with their own anxieties. Mandy expresses her worries about J.R. still being married, while Clayton and Ellie, deeply concerned for Sue Ellen, embark on a quest to find her.
“Rock Bottom,” the second episode of Dallas Season 9, stands as a testament to the show’s ability to weave complex narratives and create deeply flawed yet relatable characters. It pulls no punches in depicting Sue Ellen’s heartbreaking descent, while simultaneously laying the groundwork for intense power struggles over Ewing Oil. It’s an episode that, much like its title, takes its characters to their lowest points, setting the stage for dramatic arcs and stirring confrontations in the episodes to come.
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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.