Dallas s13e14 Episode Script
445614 - Judgment Day
NARRATOR: Last on Dallas: I'm Mrs.
J.
R.
Ewing.
Uh, is my husband in his room? CONCIERGE: Yes, I believe he is.
I let myself get set up.
Set up with a woman? - Cally's here.
On her way up.
- What the hell is she doing in Austin? You never monitored our tanker.
- Good day, Mr.
Ewing.
- This ain't over yet, pal.
JAMES: This is not what it looks like.
- You - I can explain this.
- Michelle.
- I have very important information.
Can we meet? You are not going to tell the committee that radar wasn't being manned.
Yes, sir.
I understand.
It was business.
That's all.
No.
Business is in the boardroom.
Sex is in the bedroom.
I've learned my lesson.
From now on, I'm following in your footsteps.
I don't think it was anybody's fault, sir.
They just collided in no man's land.
- You haven't told anybody else? - No, sir.
Like I said, this has to be confidential.
Trust me.
It's between us.
Digger, what the hell am I gonna do? I finally have the power to crush J.
R.
Ewing.
And get this.
He might not even be guilty.
[SIGHS.]
CLIFF: But, damn it, he has committed a crime.
He knowingly bought that shoddy tanker just to fatten his own purse without giving a single thought to the environmental destruction it might cause, and it caused it.
[COMMITTEE MEMBERS ARGUING.]
CLIFF: He acted immorally and unethically.
[INAUDIBLE DIALOGUE.]
CLIFF: But still, he didn't do anything legally wrong.
Still, I can get him anyway.
Nobody has to know the truth.
Question is, will it be worth it? Just to have him out of my life forever and that's what I've always wanted.
What would you do, Digger? Would you say, " To hell with it.
The only good Ewing is a dead Ewing"? Hmm? There is still no word on the committee's final decision if, in fact, the committee has come to any decision.
Ladies and gentlemen, we've just received word that Jack Bouleris the captain of the Ewing oil tanker, the Faraway Hill was found dead in his Galveston home earlier this afternoon.
The victim of an apparent suicide, Bouleris left a signed note explaining that he could no longer live with what happened in the Gulf.
Well, the committee has now heard all testimony including the late captain's.
How his death will impact the committee's final decision remains to be seen.
[CLAYTON SIGHS.]
This is John [SIGHS.]
That does it.
We're flying back to Southfork tonight.
What do you think that's gonna accomplish? I can at least be there for the boys.
They need me now.
You can't change the outcome of that committee's decision.
You'll just be a burden to them.
[PHONE RECEIVER CLUNKS.]
How can you say that? You heard what just happened.
They have things on their minds.
They don't need to worry about you worrying.
Clayton, I'm their mother.
Ellie, I'm sorry but there has to come a time when there is separation between their lives and our lives.
We didn't drive 400 miles for nothing.
We set out to do something here and, by God, we are going to see it through.
Can we move to appeal? Stall the department, throw a mountain of paperwork at them.
Calm down, Bobby.
The committee hasn't blamed you and y'all yet.
We both know they're going to.
I'm not gonna sit here and twiddle my thumbs while they seal my fate.
Then I'll move on it right away.
We can start proceedings regarding Cliff Barnes' impartiality as chairman.
Is that gonna stop the Justice Department from taking over my company? Maybe not, but I think we can put up a couple of legal roadblocks that'll slow them down.
Of course, it would've been a lot better for us if Bouleris hadn't killed himself.
Why did he do it, Harv? I'm sure that collision wasn't his fault.
And it wasn't yours either.
Heh.
I'm gonna be the one who takes the fall.
Cliff has every reason to find Ewing Oil guilty and I don't know how to stop him.
Bobby, I have over a thousand law books in my office and if there is a legal precedent to get you off the hook, I'll find it.
Now will you try to calm down, please? [SIGHS.]
How did it ever come to this? [DOORBELL RINGS.]
Hello, Michelle.
I got your message, came right over.
- What do you got for me? - What's your hurry? You haven't even admired my new apartment yet.
Oh, yeah, well, it's real nice.
How did Barnes react to Bouleris' death? - Would you like a drink? - No.
I want some answers.
That's not like you, J.
R.
, turning down free bourbon.
Heh, heh.
Well, nothing's ever free with you, honey.
Information or drinks always cost me plenty.
This time you won't owe me a dime.
I just quit.
Save your sense of humor for tomorrow.
Today, I need information and I need it right now.
Sorry, J.
R.
Like I told you, this booth is closed permanently.
You're holding out for more money.
Your money stinks.
Find yourself a new Mata Hari.
I just retired from the spy business.
You retire when I say you retire, sweetheart.
Now, that committee has got my head on the chopping block.
- And they're about to swing the ax.
- You're breaking my heart.
I don't think you understand the seriousness of the situation.
Bouleris admitted responsibility, but dead men don't go to jail.
I could.
You should've thought about that when you bought that crummy tanker.
I'm not taking responsibility for your mistakes.
Now please leave.
You'd better tell me what's going on or do I have to have somebody squeeze it out of you? You wanna know what's wrong? Ask your precious son.
[CAR HORN HONKING.]
McKAY: Hey, honey, I've been looking all over for you.
Get your best dress on.
We're gonna celebrate.
A man's death is no cause for celebration, Mac.
Well, of course not.
But Bouleris admitted his guilt.
Ewing Oil is dead as he is.
Well, you're just the luckiest man alive, aren't you? Your lovely little blackmail tape may be useless but Bouleris conveniently committed suicide for you instead.
What do you mean, the blackmail tape is useless? - Bobby Ewing knows about the tape.
- How? [BRAKES SQUEAK.]
He didn't say.
He wanted me to sell it to him.
Oh, don't worry.
I was your loyal wife.
Well, it doesn't matter anymore.
Bobby Ewing is finished, with or without the tape.
He made me feel like a whore, Mac.
He practically called me one to my face.
[SIGHS.]
He He's a desperate man.
I wouldn't worry about what he called you.
[SCOFFS.]
Funny thing is, Bobby Ewing is right.
That's exactly what I am.
[SIGHS.]
APRIL: Lucky for me, I know your route by heart.
MICHELLE: Yeah, unlucky for me.
[SIGHS.]
APRIL: I just wanna talk.
With you, talk always means lecture.
I wanna know why you were spying on Cliff.
- That's none of your business.
- Shelley, I need to know.
Bobby is getting it from all sides.
- Tell him he can join the club.
- You didn't answer my question.
[MICHELLE SIGHS.]
Cliff was my ticket to the big time.
I used him and now I'm dumping him.
Are you satisfied? That doesn't explain why you went to Bobby with the tape.
Call it a crazy hunch but my guess is that J.
R.
Would've paid a pretty penny for that information.
Maybe I had a reason that had nothing to do with money.
Maybe even I have feelings.
[SIGHS.]
Did something happen between you and Cliff? Something must have happened if you moved out.
What happened was I played with fire and I got burned again.
And I'm not talking about Cliff.
Look, maybe I find the bad boys attractive, but what choice do I have? All the men in this town are professional manipulators.
That's not true.
Well, except for one.
And leave it to my big sis to snare the only decent catch in Dallas.
Believe me I had to kiss my share of frogs before I met Bobby.
Heh.
At least along the way you got filthy rich.
Money doesn't mean a whole lot if the guy is making you miserable.
It's not that important.
I just learned not to be the one who cared the most.
I'm sorry.
I really am.
McKAY: When I first came to Dallas, you were a good friend to me.
If things had gone differently, we might have stayed friends.
Well, that's a matter of opinion, isn't it? All right, then.
Here's a fact.
Bouleris' death is going to cost you your company.
But there is a way out.
And I suppose you're the one holding the exit sign.
I happen to know the Justice Department is waiting to jump all over you.
Before they do, I have a proposition.
I'll bet you do.
I'm willing to buy your company right now before the Barnes committee makes its decision, and for a fair price.
Well, I suppose that beats buying me out one lease at a time, doesn't it? Don't think I don't know you're my mysterious unnamed client.
Bobby, will you do me a favor? Will you put your ego aside just for a moment and think about your family? What about them? When the Justice Department gets done with you they are not going to leave you bare bones to gnaw on.
If you sell out to me, you're going to be able to start out all over again.
You'll be able to recover from this disaster with your dignity with your future intact.
Not to mention those footsteps for your son to follow.
Keep talking, McKay.
What else is there to say? I'm willing to put the money in a Swiss bank account.
You can even have the papers say that you sold it for less money than you did.
And why are you willing to do all of this for me? You know I want Ewing Oil.
Either way, you're going to lose the company.
Either I take it over or the Justice Department does.
Committee hasn't reached its decision yet.
You have one dead sea captain and I have one very loyal Cliff Barnes.
How do you think the committee is going to decide? Look, if you wanna put your faith in Cliff Barnes' judgment then you have every right to turn me down.
I'm gonna have to think it over.
Certainly.
But don't waste any time.
Once Barnes hands down a decision, Ewing Oil is history.
[MOTORC YCLE ENGINE STOPS.]
James.
What happened between you and Michelle? Talk to me, boy.
It's none of your business.
Why don't you get off my back? As long as my company is in trouble you and that girl are my business.
What happened? She thinks I went to bed with Diana Farrington.
- Did you? - No.
All I was doing was trying to cover up for you.
- Well, you didn't tell her that.
- Of course I did.
Only it was so stupid, it sounded like I was lying through my teeth.
[SIGHS.]
Oh, James, never tell the truth when a good lie will do.
Yeah, well, it's a little late for that now, isn't it? Not if you get off your butt and start working on that girl.
Have you sent her any flowers? Have you told her you love her? No.
And I won't.
Let her stew in her own juices.
Are you out of your mind? I need her down in Austin.
She's my last chance to pull the rabbit out of Barnes' hat.
Look here.
I bought this car for you so you wouldn't have to ride that motorcycle.
Gee, thanks.
I want you to give it to Michelle.
Put a ribbon around it.
And if she takes the bait, I'll get you a new one.
Forget it.
I'm out of this.
[MOTORC YCLE ENGINE REVS.]
All right.
Ellie ought to be getting back before too long.
Hmm.
If that fool, Sparks, hasn't gotten them lost.
- Heh.
- Still Still, it must be a thrill for them.
I mean, to see the exact spot where Jock Ewing started it all way back when.
Maybe I should've gone with her.
Given her some emotional support.
She's probably crying her eyes out about now.
Damn it all, Jock.
You couldn't have been an insurance salesman or a shoe salesman.
No.
You had to have oil in your blood and in your heart.
And now a man is dead and our sons are fighting for their lives.
All because of oil.
This is where your dream started.
But sometimes Sometimes I wish it had never, ever started at all.
[SIGHS.]
McKAY: I wasn't sure you'd show up.
Clearly found out about my three big oil leases.
That's what this is about, isn't it? Three major oil leases.
Well, that's very interesting.
Well, they're yours in exchange for your blackmail tape.
The one with Cliff Barnes.
The blackmail tape.
[CHUCKLING.]
[CHUCKLING.]
Oh, God, that Cliff Barnes is unbelievable.
Is there anybody who doesn't know about that tape? Next thing you know, he's going to hire a skywriter to advertise it all over town, ha, ha.
So you'll sell it to me? Why should I worry about some oil leases when I'm about to acquire a major company? Excuse me? That's why I asked you here today.
I offered to buy Ewing Oil.
I'll put all of Bobby's assets in a Swiss bank account in his name.
I want you to personally persuade him of the benefits.
What benefits? Well, starting off your life as Mrs.
Bobby Ewing with money in the bank, for one thing.
And you think I'd marry Bobby just for his money? Well, maybe not.
But would he marry you for yours? You'd better think about that, April.
How do you think that would make him feel spending each day of his life taking handouts from his wife? We can manage without your help, McKay.
If that were true, how come he hasn't turned me down yet? [DOOR OPENS.]
These are the rest of the files on last year's assets.
Bobby, do you really think they're going to help? To tell you the truth, Phyllis, right now, I don't think anything's gonna help.
Why don't you call it a night? Well, I'd be glad to stay if you need me.
You've put in overtime three days this week.
Somebody in this company should get some rest.
Go on.
- All right.
Good night.
- Good night.
[ELEVATOR BELL DINGS.]
[BOBBY CHUCKLING.]
- Can you stand some company? - I'm glad you're here.
Me too.
I think you should know that I met with Carter McKay today.
What did he want? He wanted me to convince you to sell Ewing Oil to him.
- And you said? - No.
Never, not in a million years.
I'd live in a shack in the woods with you or any place else you want, as long as we're together.
We don't need Carter McKay's help to live happily ever after.
Do we? [CHUCKLES.]
CLIFF: Committee is starting to go my way.
[GRO ANS.]
Tell me, why do I feel so lousy? Maybe you're getting soft.
No, I don't think so.
There's a lot at stake.
You should be lucky you're not involved.
I am involved in a way that you don't know about.
What are you talking about? MICHELLE: This is so hard for me, Cliff but I've gotta tell you the truth.
Believe me, it'll make you wanna nail that creep.
I've been spying on you for J.
R.
You what? Oh, please, tell me you're making that up, Michelle.
J.
R.
Made me spy on you, Cliff.
I'm sorry.
I really am.
I have felt all along that somebody was trying to knife me in the back but I never figured it would be you.
It was a horrible mistake.
He tricked me.
Okay.
What did he get out of you? Nothing that would really hurt you, I swear.
You knew his reputation.
How could you be so stupid? I have no excuses.
I am so sorry I let it screw up our friendship and ruin the only decent relationship I had in Dallas.
Oh, hell.
You know, you didn't really have a chance against J.
R.
That slime could lure the pope into a floating crap game.
There's something else.
[SCOFFS.]
It gets worse? J.
R.
Owns Diana Farrington.
I figured that.
I figured that.
How in the hell did he get to her? I guess he's doing a favor for her husband or something, I don't know.
Classic J.
R.
I'm only surprised he didn't cut one of his famous bedroom deals with her.
Actually, he let his son take care of that side of it.
You know what? This is strange but I just might have to thank you because you've helped me end a battle I've been having with my conscience.
Time to burn that man at the stake.
[ICE CUBE CLINKS.]
Oh, I thought I was late.
Where is everybody? I had our session moved back an hour.
And why wasn't I informed? We have some private testimony to discuss.
Oh.
So you've decided to rethink my little offer of political influence after all.
The hell I have.
Then what are you talking about? I find it interesting that your devoted husband landed that cushy job in Alaska.
[FINGERS SNAP.]
Hmm.
Just like that.
I am not a big fan of innuendo, Cliff.
I have someone who can swear that you've been playing footsie with J.
R.
Ewing.
What's wrong with hearing the Ewing side of things off the record? So I let J.
R.
Buy me dinner once or twice.
No, no, no.
You called for room service.
I didn't do anything any self-respecting good old boy doesn't do every day and twice on Sunday.
But because I'm a woman playing the game it automatically means I'm selling out.
Don't give me that double-standard crap.
If I was a man, we wouldn't even be having this discussion.
Did you accuse Bates and Middleton of sleeping around town? What about the senator? They weren't seen in bed with J.
R.
's son.
You were.
You're bluffing.
We both know that I can have you thrown off this committee so damn fast your head will spin for months.
If you throw me off this committee you'll have to start over from square one.
You know how long that will take? Your funding will run out.
You'll have trouble gathering your witnesses together again, et cetera, et cetera.
Don't think I won't.
You wouldn't dare lose the political spotlight.
I don't like what you're implying.
But you don't deny it, do you? Let's face it, Cliff.
Every vote on this committee is tainted, and you're the worst.
Not only are you a disgruntled ex-partner in Ewing Oil but every idiot in Texas can see that Carter McKay is pulling your strings.
What has he got on you? Eight-by-10s of your last Roman orgy? [COMMITTEE MEMBERS CONVERSING INDISTINCTLY.]
BATES: Wasting your time - Absolutely unbelievable.
- It was the worst game I've ever seen.
Cliff, we have one more day of deliberations left.
Um, why don't you give it your best shot and I'll give it mine? I can nail this with or without you.
- Hello.
MIDDLETON: Hello.
- Hi, Cliff.
CLIFF: Let's get started.
McKAY: You said you've reached your decision.
Well, let's have it.
[BOBBY CHUCKLES.]
You, uh You didn't give me very much time to examine all the angles.
Blame Barnes, not me.
[SIGHS.]
You know, the more I thought about your proposal, McKay the more it made sense to me.
Maybe I should sell Ewing Oil now instead of letting the vultures pick it clean.
By now, your lawyers have read over the papers that I sent over.
Found out what a straight deal it is.
All you have to do is sign to dodge the big bullet.
You know who founded this company, McKay? Sure.
- Jock Ewing was a legend.
- You're right.
And you know what he'd be doing if he were standing here right now? Well, I imagine he wouldn't be playing games.
No.
He'd be escorting you out of this building.
Headfirst through this very window, and I'm embarrassed I didn't do the same when you first brought me the stinking deal.
You're a fool, Bobby.
I'll buy Ewing Oil from the Justice Department for 50 cents on the dollar.
I'd rather deal with that than sell out to you.
Besides, I have one last card to play.
You're just whistling in the dark.
But I like the tune.
[DOOR OPENS.]
[DOOR CLOSES.]
[SIGHS.]
That little witch was my last chance.
Well, what the hell am I gonna do now? If I were you, I'd apologize to Bobby.
- For what? - For taking him down with you.
You're a little short of sympathy, James.
[SCOFFS.]
JAMES: Can you blame me? I came to the city looking for a family and a home.
And all I find is a combat zone filled with people trying to stick it to one another.
You're not mad at me or the oil business.
You're angry at Little Miss Tight-Skirt because she won't play with you anymore.
WOMAN: Mr.
Ewing? J.
R: Hmm? - Would you care for a table? - No, I'm not going to eat here, honey.
Well, you don't understand me at all.
You turned your back on me when you could have been helping me.
Come on, you made your own noose.
You cut that first deal behind Bobby's back.
You bought the nickel-and-dime oil tanker and you made enemies out of McKay and Cliff Barnes.
Let's get real.
You wanna get real? All right.
You came to Dallas looking for a family, and you don't know what family is.
All I see is a globetrotting brat who would skip out on his own flesh and blood the first time they put the wrong flavored popsicle in the icebox.
What do you want from me? [SIGHS.]
I want you on my side.
You're my son, aren't you? [ELEVATOR DOORS OPEN.]
Oh, great.
They ought to rename this club The Viper's Nest.
J.
R: Oh, God.
- Uh, we'll be just a minute.
DORA MAE: Yes, ma'am.
- What a small town.
- I thought you were in Austin, Michelle.
I was.
And I brought back a message for you from Cliff Barnes: Drop dead.
- You were warned.
- No.
Nobody warned me in time.
James, I gotta get back to the office.
If you're planning on having drinks with these ladies you'd better get Dora Mae to fetch the snakebite kit.
Aren't you going with Daddy? Come on, Shelley, why don't we sit down? Yeah, don't let me hold you up.
Oh, my God, Shelley.
Don't me tell me it's him.
I screwed up, didn't I? - Is Bobby in? - He left in a hurry.
Carter McKay was here.
They had some sort of fight.
[J.
R.
SIGHS.]
Any messages? Uh, yes, and Diana Farrington is on the line.
[J.
R.
SIGHS.]
Well, this is it.
Talk to me.
How did Cliff find out about our arrangement? Well, knowing Barnes, he probably hid in your lingerie drawer.
I hope you played it smart.
No, I told him we sold tickets to all performances [O VER PHONE.]
including Sundays and matinees.
I'm not laughing.
Sorry, just a little gallows humor.
What does that mean? DIANA: Bottom line, J.
R.
, I fought hard for you.
So did Bates.
But Cliff wore down Middleton and Lee was a lost cause.
You're deadlocked.
It's not up to Barnes, is it? He has the deciding vote.
I'm sorry, J.
R.
, I tried.
I really tried hard.
Oh, Lord.
BOBBY: Cliff.
Thanks for meeting me.
Can't believe I agreed to this.
BOBBY: Hey.
Come on, even a condemned man has the right to a few final words.
Save your breath, Bobby.
Ewing Oil is guilty as charged.
I know about the videotape, Cliff.
[CLIFF SCOFFS.]
CLIFF: I don't care.
You think that changes anything? It only proves we all make mistakes.
Cliff, you and I have been up and down together a lot of times over the years.
This is the first time my fate rests in your hands and I need you to listen to me.
Do I hear a sad song coming? Cliff, I didn't take you into Ewing Oil just because I needed your capital.
I did it because I felt it was time to put the personal problems of the Barneses and the Ewings aside.
Bobby, you never let me be a part of that.
That was a two-way street.
It's nobody's fault it didn't work out.
So I'm supposed to let you off the hook because we were pals once? No, not just because we were pals.
We have family ties that bind us Cliff.
So now we're family? What does that make J.
R? My evil twin? Listen, do you know that he bought off Diana Farrington with a quick tumble? Do you know that he had Michelle spying on me? I know better than you what J.
R.
Is capable of but that doesn't give you the right to distort the truth.
Whose truth are we talking about? The same truth.
Nobody knows what really happened out there in the Gulf.
With Bouleris dead, I doubt if we'll ever know.
You can't believe Westar's captain.
So in your heart you know it was all just an accident.
Tell that to Mrs.
Bouleris.
[SIGHS.]
Cliff, the J.
R.
's and the McKays of this world make up their own dirty rules.
If we play their game, if we become like them, we lose.
We lose big.
Everything is up to your conscience.
McKAY: Hi, honey.
I bought some Bordeaux.
'53 was a good year.
You're so cheerful.
You may not believe this but there's a lot I admire about Bobby Ewing.
Too bad he has that terrible flaw.
What do you mean? Well, real businessmen know how to cut their losses.
They never let pride stand in their way.
Poor Bobby is going to have to learn that lesson the hard way.
Now, it's time for a toast.
To Cliff Barnes, who taught me a valuable lesson.
Never try to blackmail a moron.
[LAUGHS.]
Of course, morons like Cliff Barnes do make excellent governors.
You're so cynical, Mac.
Nonsense.
Come on over here.
I have a little gift for you.
Is that it? No.
This is.
You were right from the start, Rosie.
That tape was a mistake.
I used to have trouble admitting my mistakes but that was before I married you.
You made a great change in me.
You might say that old Mac is back in town.
I'm so glad.
CLEM: And now I'd like to present to you the folks that brought pride back to Pride.
Mrs.
Ellie Ewing Farlow and Mr.
Clayton Farlow.
[CROWD APPLAUDING.]
Thank you.
Thank you.
This is a very, uh A very special moment for me.
As you know, Pride is the birthplace of Ewing Oil.
And we wanted to do something very special for you proud people.
And when we heard that Mr.
Sparks had struck a little oil in the back of the boarding house, we got very excited.
And we figured, why not find out if there's a little oil in the old town yet? So this is our gift to you, the kind people of Pride, Texas.
I give you the pride of Pride in loving memory of Jock Ewing.
All right, boys, let her rip.
[DRONING.]
[DUO PLAYING JIG.]
[CROWD APPLAUDING.]
[CHATTERING.]
When I'm in Austin, I'm gonna need Culver's file.
Will you pull it? - Right away.
- Thanks.
Bob this belongs on your wall, not mine.
Well, I always thought so.
Are you ready for the lynch mob? Not until you read this.
Harv Smithfield wrote it up.
Uh, he has instructions to read it to the press after the verdict is announced.
In short, it absolves you and all your employees at Ewing Oil from any responsibility for the collision.
It says that I take full responsibility.
Is it signed in invisible ink? Bob, that accident was my fault.
I knew damn well that that tanker had an unacceptable rating but I let it sail because I didn't want any less zeros in my bank account.
I dragged you through hell with me, Bobby, and God knows it's not the first time.
But I guarantee you it's gonna be the last.
I'm prepared to go to jail for 10 years or whatever it takes to take the blame off Daddy's company.
I haven't been the kind of brother I'd like to have been, or son for that matter.
Daddy wrote this letter 40 years ago.
He thought he was dying and I might be the only one left to carry the banner.
He placed the future of Ewing Oil in my hands and I obviously failed him.
So I'm passing the torch on to you.
CLIFF: Recommendation number 10 rigorous testing for alcohol and other controlled substances to be initiated at random on all individuals performing safety-sensitive posts.
Recommendation number 11 that the state urge the NTSB to recommend the installation of the GPS radar system to effectively monitor and direct tanker traffic in the Gulf.
Lastly, recommendation number 12 Get to the point.
CLIFF: That the Coast Guard require double hulls and bow thrusters on all newly constructed tankers for the dual purpose of enhancing durability and maneuverability.
We feel that these recommendations, if enacted and enforced, will go a long way Why won't that woman look at me? Maybe she doesn't recognize you with your clothes on.
CLIFF: The question remains of assigning responsibility for the collision that took place on November 17th between the Faraway Hill, owned and operated by Ewing Oil and the Prometheus, owned and operated by Westar.
Now, here goes nothing.
Many hours of eyewitness testimony have proven well beyond a reasonable doubt that due to the number of circumstances including but not limited to the high seas and the dense fog at the time of impact neither party can fairly be accused of instigating this terrible tragedy.
[CROWD MURMURING.]
CLIFF: Not only is there too much conflicting testimony but now a new pivotal piece of information supplied to us by the Coast Guard has supported our decision.
So I therefore must declare the collision an act of misadventure.
This committee is adjourned.
Well, how about that, Harv? [J.
R.
CHUCKLING.]
I have no comment at this time.
Ha, ha.
Let me have that thing.
[CHUCKLING.]
Here.
I have no comment at this time.
As legal representative of Ewing Oil, I think it's fair to say that what we've Harv, would you mind? I'd like explain a few things.
- Not at all, J.
R.
- Thank you.
Thank you.
Uh, ladies and gentleman, may I have your attention please? Uh, I just want to say that there was never a doubt in my mind at any time that Ewing Oil and myself would be fully vindicated in this matter.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I mean, it was just There was no other answer.
- Do you have any idea how lucky you are? - Ha, ha.
Is this a great country or what? [J.
R.
CHUCKLING.]
- As it was our duty to clean up that spill NARRATOR: Next on Dallas: You got three of my fields.
It so happens that I'm not the buyer, but I happen to know who is.
- Bobby, could we go? - What you need to do is face reality.
End of the week, we'll be swimming in oil.
If you were doing the right thing, why didn't you tell me? Why did I have to hear from McKay? I don't owe you anything, and it's none of your business who I sleep with.
Oh, I'll sell them, all right.
Just not to you.
WOMAN: Like the magazine selection? Curious as to what your angle is.
I'm the woman that can take you where you want to go.
- There's gotta be another option.
- This is our last option.
JACKIE: Bobby, is something wrong? You're gonna think I'm crazy but I swear I just saw Pam.
J.
R.
Ewing.
Uh, is my husband in his room? CONCIERGE: Yes, I believe he is.
I let myself get set up.
Set up with a woman? - Cally's here.
On her way up.
- What the hell is she doing in Austin? You never monitored our tanker.
- Good day, Mr.
Ewing.
- This ain't over yet, pal.
JAMES: This is not what it looks like.
- You - I can explain this.
- Michelle.
- I have very important information.
Can we meet? You are not going to tell the committee that radar wasn't being manned.
Yes, sir.
I understand.
It was business.
That's all.
No.
Business is in the boardroom.
Sex is in the bedroom.
I've learned my lesson.
From now on, I'm following in your footsteps.
I don't think it was anybody's fault, sir.
They just collided in no man's land.
- You haven't told anybody else? - No, sir.
Like I said, this has to be confidential.
Trust me.
It's between us.
Digger, what the hell am I gonna do? I finally have the power to crush J.
R.
Ewing.
And get this.
He might not even be guilty.
[SIGHS.]
CLIFF: But, damn it, he has committed a crime.
He knowingly bought that shoddy tanker just to fatten his own purse without giving a single thought to the environmental destruction it might cause, and it caused it.
[COMMITTEE MEMBERS ARGUING.]
CLIFF: He acted immorally and unethically.
[INAUDIBLE DIALOGUE.]
CLIFF: But still, he didn't do anything legally wrong.
Still, I can get him anyway.
Nobody has to know the truth.
Question is, will it be worth it? Just to have him out of my life forever and that's what I've always wanted.
What would you do, Digger? Would you say, " To hell with it.
The only good Ewing is a dead Ewing"? Hmm? There is still no word on the committee's final decision if, in fact, the committee has come to any decision.
Ladies and gentlemen, we've just received word that Jack Bouleris the captain of the Ewing oil tanker, the Faraway Hill was found dead in his Galveston home earlier this afternoon.
The victim of an apparent suicide, Bouleris left a signed note explaining that he could no longer live with what happened in the Gulf.
Well, the committee has now heard all testimony including the late captain's.
How his death will impact the committee's final decision remains to be seen.
[CLAYTON SIGHS.]
This is John [SIGHS.]
That does it.
We're flying back to Southfork tonight.
What do you think that's gonna accomplish? I can at least be there for the boys.
They need me now.
You can't change the outcome of that committee's decision.
You'll just be a burden to them.
[PHONE RECEIVER CLUNKS.]
How can you say that? You heard what just happened.
They have things on their minds.
They don't need to worry about you worrying.
Clayton, I'm their mother.
Ellie, I'm sorry but there has to come a time when there is separation between their lives and our lives.
We didn't drive 400 miles for nothing.
We set out to do something here and, by God, we are going to see it through.
Can we move to appeal? Stall the department, throw a mountain of paperwork at them.
Calm down, Bobby.
The committee hasn't blamed you and y'all yet.
We both know they're going to.
I'm not gonna sit here and twiddle my thumbs while they seal my fate.
Then I'll move on it right away.
We can start proceedings regarding Cliff Barnes' impartiality as chairman.
Is that gonna stop the Justice Department from taking over my company? Maybe not, but I think we can put up a couple of legal roadblocks that'll slow them down.
Of course, it would've been a lot better for us if Bouleris hadn't killed himself.
Why did he do it, Harv? I'm sure that collision wasn't his fault.
And it wasn't yours either.
Heh.
I'm gonna be the one who takes the fall.
Cliff has every reason to find Ewing Oil guilty and I don't know how to stop him.
Bobby, I have over a thousand law books in my office and if there is a legal precedent to get you off the hook, I'll find it.
Now will you try to calm down, please? [SIGHS.]
How did it ever come to this? [DOORBELL RINGS.]
Hello, Michelle.
I got your message, came right over.
- What do you got for me? - What's your hurry? You haven't even admired my new apartment yet.
Oh, yeah, well, it's real nice.
How did Barnes react to Bouleris' death? - Would you like a drink? - No.
I want some answers.
That's not like you, J.
R.
, turning down free bourbon.
Heh, heh.
Well, nothing's ever free with you, honey.
Information or drinks always cost me plenty.
This time you won't owe me a dime.
I just quit.
Save your sense of humor for tomorrow.
Today, I need information and I need it right now.
Sorry, J.
R.
Like I told you, this booth is closed permanently.
You're holding out for more money.
Your money stinks.
Find yourself a new Mata Hari.
I just retired from the spy business.
You retire when I say you retire, sweetheart.
Now, that committee has got my head on the chopping block.
- And they're about to swing the ax.
- You're breaking my heart.
I don't think you understand the seriousness of the situation.
Bouleris admitted responsibility, but dead men don't go to jail.
I could.
You should've thought about that when you bought that crummy tanker.
I'm not taking responsibility for your mistakes.
Now please leave.
You'd better tell me what's going on or do I have to have somebody squeeze it out of you? You wanna know what's wrong? Ask your precious son.
[CAR HORN HONKING.]
McKAY: Hey, honey, I've been looking all over for you.
Get your best dress on.
We're gonna celebrate.
A man's death is no cause for celebration, Mac.
Well, of course not.
But Bouleris admitted his guilt.
Ewing Oil is dead as he is.
Well, you're just the luckiest man alive, aren't you? Your lovely little blackmail tape may be useless but Bouleris conveniently committed suicide for you instead.
What do you mean, the blackmail tape is useless? - Bobby Ewing knows about the tape.
- How? [BRAKES SQUEAK.]
He didn't say.
He wanted me to sell it to him.
Oh, don't worry.
I was your loyal wife.
Well, it doesn't matter anymore.
Bobby Ewing is finished, with or without the tape.
He made me feel like a whore, Mac.
He practically called me one to my face.
[SIGHS.]
He He's a desperate man.
I wouldn't worry about what he called you.
[SCOFFS.]
Funny thing is, Bobby Ewing is right.
That's exactly what I am.
[SIGHS.]
APRIL: Lucky for me, I know your route by heart.
MICHELLE: Yeah, unlucky for me.
[SIGHS.]
APRIL: I just wanna talk.
With you, talk always means lecture.
I wanna know why you were spying on Cliff.
- That's none of your business.
- Shelley, I need to know.
Bobby is getting it from all sides.
- Tell him he can join the club.
- You didn't answer my question.
[MICHELLE SIGHS.]
Cliff was my ticket to the big time.
I used him and now I'm dumping him.
Are you satisfied? That doesn't explain why you went to Bobby with the tape.
Call it a crazy hunch but my guess is that J.
R.
Would've paid a pretty penny for that information.
Maybe I had a reason that had nothing to do with money.
Maybe even I have feelings.
[SIGHS.]
Did something happen between you and Cliff? Something must have happened if you moved out.
What happened was I played with fire and I got burned again.
And I'm not talking about Cliff.
Look, maybe I find the bad boys attractive, but what choice do I have? All the men in this town are professional manipulators.
That's not true.
Well, except for one.
And leave it to my big sis to snare the only decent catch in Dallas.
Believe me I had to kiss my share of frogs before I met Bobby.
Heh.
At least along the way you got filthy rich.
Money doesn't mean a whole lot if the guy is making you miserable.
It's not that important.
I just learned not to be the one who cared the most.
I'm sorry.
I really am.
McKAY: When I first came to Dallas, you were a good friend to me.
If things had gone differently, we might have stayed friends.
Well, that's a matter of opinion, isn't it? All right, then.
Here's a fact.
Bouleris' death is going to cost you your company.
But there is a way out.
And I suppose you're the one holding the exit sign.
I happen to know the Justice Department is waiting to jump all over you.
Before they do, I have a proposition.
I'll bet you do.
I'm willing to buy your company right now before the Barnes committee makes its decision, and for a fair price.
Well, I suppose that beats buying me out one lease at a time, doesn't it? Don't think I don't know you're my mysterious unnamed client.
Bobby, will you do me a favor? Will you put your ego aside just for a moment and think about your family? What about them? When the Justice Department gets done with you they are not going to leave you bare bones to gnaw on.
If you sell out to me, you're going to be able to start out all over again.
You'll be able to recover from this disaster with your dignity with your future intact.
Not to mention those footsteps for your son to follow.
Keep talking, McKay.
What else is there to say? I'm willing to put the money in a Swiss bank account.
You can even have the papers say that you sold it for less money than you did.
And why are you willing to do all of this for me? You know I want Ewing Oil.
Either way, you're going to lose the company.
Either I take it over or the Justice Department does.
Committee hasn't reached its decision yet.
You have one dead sea captain and I have one very loyal Cliff Barnes.
How do you think the committee is going to decide? Look, if you wanna put your faith in Cliff Barnes' judgment then you have every right to turn me down.
I'm gonna have to think it over.
Certainly.
But don't waste any time.
Once Barnes hands down a decision, Ewing Oil is history.
[MOTORC YCLE ENGINE STOPS.]
James.
What happened between you and Michelle? Talk to me, boy.
It's none of your business.
Why don't you get off my back? As long as my company is in trouble you and that girl are my business.
What happened? She thinks I went to bed with Diana Farrington.
- Did you? - No.
All I was doing was trying to cover up for you.
- Well, you didn't tell her that.
- Of course I did.
Only it was so stupid, it sounded like I was lying through my teeth.
[SIGHS.]
Oh, James, never tell the truth when a good lie will do.
Yeah, well, it's a little late for that now, isn't it? Not if you get off your butt and start working on that girl.
Have you sent her any flowers? Have you told her you love her? No.
And I won't.
Let her stew in her own juices.
Are you out of your mind? I need her down in Austin.
She's my last chance to pull the rabbit out of Barnes' hat.
Look here.
I bought this car for you so you wouldn't have to ride that motorcycle.
Gee, thanks.
I want you to give it to Michelle.
Put a ribbon around it.
And if she takes the bait, I'll get you a new one.
Forget it.
I'm out of this.
[MOTORC YCLE ENGINE REVS.]
All right.
Ellie ought to be getting back before too long.
Hmm.
If that fool, Sparks, hasn't gotten them lost.
- Heh.
- Still Still, it must be a thrill for them.
I mean, to see the exact spot where Jock Ewing started it all way back when.
Maybe I should've gone with her.
Given her some emotional support.
She's probably crying her eyes out about now.
Damn it all, Jock.
You couldn't have been an insurance salesman or a shoe salesman.
No.
You had to have oil in your blood and in your heart.
And now a man is dead and our sons are fighting for their lives.
All because of oil.
This is where your dream started.
But sometimes Sometimes I wish it had never, ever started at all.
[SIGHS.]
McKAY: I wasn't sure you'd show up.
Clearly found out about my three big oil leases.
That's what this is about, isn't it? Three major oil leases.
Well, that's very interesting.
Well, they're yours in exchange for your blackmail tape.
The one with Cliff Barnes.
The blackmail tape.
[CHUCKLING.]
[CHUCKLING.]
Oh, God, that Cliff Barnes is unbelievable.
Is there anybody who doesn't know about that tape? Next thing you know, he's going to hire a skywriter to advertise it all over town, ha, ha.
So you'll sell it to me? Why should I worry about some oil leases when I'm about to acquire a major company? Excuse me? That's why I asked you here today.
I offered to buy Ewing Oil.
I'll put all of Bobby's assets in a Swiss bank account in his name.
I want you to personally persuade him of the benefits.
What benefits? Well, starting off your life as Mrs.
Bobby Ewing with money in the bank, for one thing.
And you think I'd marry Bobby just for his money? Well, maybe not.
But would he marry you for yours? You'd better think about that, April.
How do you think that would make him feel spending each day of his life taking handouts from his wife? We can manage without your help, McKay.
If that were true, how come he hasn't turned me down yet? [DOOR OPENS.]
These are the rest of the files on last year's assets.
Bobby, do you really think they're going to help? To tell you the truth, Phyllis, right now, I don't think anything's gonna help.
Why don't you call it a night? Well, I'd be glad to stay if you need me.
You've put in overtime three days this week.
Somebody in this company should get some rest.
Go on.
- All right.
Good night.
- Good night.
[ELEVATOR BELL DINGS.]
[BOBBY CHUCKLING.]
- Can you stand some company? - I'm glad you're here.
Me too.
I think you should know that I met with Carter McKay today.
What did he want? He wanted me to convince you to sell Ewing Oil to him.
- And you said? - No.
Never, not in a million years.
I'd live in a shack in the woods with you or any place else you want, as long as we're together.
We don't need Carter McKay's help to live happily ever after.
Do we? [CHUCKLES.]
CLIFF: Committee is starting to go my way.
[GRO ANS.]
Tell me, why do I feel so lousy? Maybe you're getting soft.
No, I don't think so.
There's a lot at stake.
You should be lucky you're not involved.
I am involved in a way that you don't know about.
What are you talking about? MICHELLE: This is so hard for me, Cliff but I've gotta tell you the truth.
Believe me, it'll make you wanna nail that creep.
I've been spying on you for J.
R.
You what? Oh, please, tell me you're making that up, Michelle.
J.
R.
Made me spy on you, Cliff.
I'm sorry.
I really am.
I have felt all along that somebody was trying to knife me in the back but I never figured it would be you.
It was a horrible mistake.
He tricked me.
Okay.
What did he get out of you? Nothing that would really hurt you, I swear.
You knew his reputation.
How could you be so stupid? I have no excuses.
I am so sorry I let it screw up our friendship and ruin the only decent relationship I had in Dallas.
Oh, hell.
You know, you didn't really have a chance against J.
R.
That slime could lure the pope into a floating crap game.
There's something else.
[SCOFFS.]
It gets worse? J.
R.
Owns Diana Farrington.
I figured that.
I figured that.
How in the hell did he get to her? I guess he's doing a favor for her husband or something, I don't know.
Classic J.
R.
I'm only surprised he didn't cut one of his famous bedroom deals with her.
Actually, he let his son take care of that side of it.
You know what? This is strange but I just might have to thank you because you've helped me end a battle I've been having with my conscience.
Time to burn that man at the stake.
[ICE CUBE CLINKS.]
Oh, I thought I was late.
Where is everybody? I had our session moved back an hour.
And why wasn't I informed? We have some private testimony to discuss.
Oh.
So you've decided to rethink my little offer of political influence after all.
The hell I have.
Then what are you talking about? I find it interesting that your devoted husband landed that cushy job in Alaska.
[FINGERS SNAP.]
Hmm.
Just like that.
I am not a big fan of innuendo, Cliff.
I have someone who can swear that you've been playing footsie with J.
R.
Ewing.
What's wrong with hearing the Ewing side of things off the record? So I let J.
R.
Buy me dinner once or twice.
No, no, no.
You called for room service.
I didn't do anything any self-respecting good old boy doesn't do every day and twice on Sunday.
But because I'm a woman playing the game it automatically means I'm selling out.
Don't give me that double-standard crap.
If I was a man, we wouldn't even be having this discussion.
Did you accuse Bates and Middleton of sleeping around town? What about the senator? They weren't seen in bed with J.
R.
's son.
You were.
You're bluffing.
We both know that I can have you thrown off this committee so damn fast your head will spin for months.
If you throw me off this committee you'll have to start over from square one.
You know how long that will take? Your funding will run out.
You'll have trouble gathering your witnesses together again, et cetera, et cetera.
Don't think I won't.
You wouldn't dare lose the political spotlight.
I don't like what you're implying.
But you don't deny it, do you? Let's face it, Cliff.
Every vote on this committee is tainted, and you're the worst.
Not only are you a disgruntled ex-partner in Ewing Oil but every idiot in Texas can see that Carter McKay is pulling your strings.
What has he got on you? Eight-by-10s of your last Roman orgy? [COMMITTEE MEMBERS CONVERSING INDISTINCTLY.]
BATES: Wasting your time - Absolutely unbelievable.
- It was the worst game I've ever seen.
Cliff, we have one more day of deliberations left.
Um, why don't you give it your best shot and I'll give it mine? I can nail this with or without you.
- Hello.
MIDDLETON: Hello.
- Hi, Cliff.
CLIFF: Let's get started.
McKAY: You said you've reached your decision.
Well, let's have it.
[BOBBY CHUCKLES.]
You, uh You didn't give me very much time to examine all the angles.
Blame Barnes, not me.
[SIGHS.]
You know, the more I thought about your proposal, McKay the more it made sense to me.
Maybe I should sell Ewing Oil now instead of letting the vultures pick it clean.
By now, your lawyers have read over the papers that I sent over.
Found out what a straight deal it is.
All you have to do is sign to dodge the big bullet.
You know who founded this company, McKay? Sure.
- Jock Ewing was a legend.
- You're right.
And you know what he'd be doing if he were standing here right now? Well, I imagine he wouldn't be playing games.
No.
He'd be escorting you out of this building.
Headfirst through this very window, and I'm embarrassed I didn't do the same when you first brought me the stinking deal.
You're a fool, Bobby.
I'll buy Ewing Oil from the Justice Department for 50 cents on the dollar.
I'd rather deal with that than sell out to you.
Besides, I have one last card to play.
You're just whistling in the dark.
But I like the tune.
[DOOR OPENS.]
[DOOR CLOSES.]
[SIGHS.]
That little witch was my last chance.
Well, what the hell am I gonna do now? If I were you, I'd apologize to Bobby.
- For what? - For taking him down with you.
You're a little short of sympathy, James.
[SCOFFS.]
JAMES: Can you blame me? I came to the city looking for a family and a home.
And all I find is a combat zone filled with people trying to stick it to one another.
You're not mad at me or the oil business.
You're angry at Little Miss Tight-Skirt because she won't play with you anymore.
WOMAN: Mr.
Ewing? J.
R: Hmm? - Would you care for a table? - No, I'm not going to eat here, honey.
Well, you don't understand me at all.
You turned your back on me when you could have been helping me.
Come on, you made your own noose.
You cut that first deal behind Bobby's back.
You bought the nickel-and-dime oil tanker and you made enemies out of McKay and Cliff Barnes.
Let's get real.
You wanna get real? All right.
You came to Dallas looking for a family, and you don't know what family is.
All I see is a globetrotting brat who would skip out on his own flesh and blood the first time they put the wrong flavored popsicle in the icebox.
What do you want from me? [SIGHS.]
I want you on my side.
You're my son, aren't you? [ELEVATOR DOORS OPEN.]
Oh, great.
They ought to rename this club The Viper's Nest.
J.
R: Oh, God.
- Uh, we'll be just a minute.
DORA MAE: Yes, ma'am.
- What a small town.
- I thought you were in Austin, Michelle.
I was.
And I brought back a message for you from Cliff Barnes: Drop dead.
- You were warned.
- No.
Nobody warned me in time.
James, I gotta get back to the office.
If you're planning on having drinks with these ladies you'd better get Dora Mae to fetch the snakebite kit.
Aren't you going with Daddy? Come on, Shelley, why don't we sit down? Yeah, don't let me hold you up.
Oh, my God, Shelley.
Don't me tell me it's him.
I screwed up, didn't I? - Is Bobby in? - He left in a hurry.
Carter McKay was here.
They had some sort of fight.
[J.
R.
SIGHS.]
Any messages? Uh, yes, and Diana Farrington is on the line.
[J.
R.
SIGHS.]
Well, this is it.
Talk to me.
How did Cliff find out about our arrangement? Well, knowing Barnes, he probably hid in your lingerie drawer.
I hope you played it smart.
No, I told him we sold tickets to all performances [O VER PHONE.]
including Sundays and matinees.
I'm not laughing.
Sorry, just a little gallows humor.
What does that mean? DIANA: Bottom line, J.
R.
, I fought hard for you.
So did Bates.
But Cliff wore down Middleton and Lee was a lost cause.
You're deadlocked.
It's not up to Barnes, is it? He has the deciding vote.
I'm sorry, J.
R.
, I tried.
I really tried hard.
Oh, Lord.
BOBBY: Cliff.
Thanks for meeting me.
Can't believe I agreed to this.
BOBBY: Hey.
Come on, even a condemned man has the right to a few final words.
Save your breath, Bobby.
Ewing Oil is guilty as charged.
I know about the videotape, Cliff.
[CLIFF SCOFFS.]
CLIFF: I don't care.
You think that changes anything? It only proves we all make mistakes.
Cliff, you and I have been up and down together a lot of times over the years.
This is the first time my fate rests in your hands and I need you to listen to me.
Do I hear a sad song coming? Cliff, I didn't take you into Ewing Oil just because I needed your capital.
I did it because I felt it was time to put the personal problems of the Barneses and the Ewings aside.
Bobby, you never let me be a part of that.
That was a two-way street.
It's nobody's fault it didn't work out.
So I'm supposed to let you off the hook because we were pals once? No, not just because we were pals.
We have family ties that bind us Cliff.
So now we're family? What does that make J.
R? My evil twin? Listen, do you know that he bought off Diana Farrington with a quick tumble? Do you know that he had Michelle spying on me? I know better than you what J.
R.
Is capable of but that doesn't give you the right to distort the truth.
Whose truth are we talking about? The same truth.
Nobody knows what really happened out there in the Gulf.
With Bouleris dead, I doubt if we'll ever know.
You can't believe Westar's captain.
So in your heart you know it was all just an accident.
Tell that to Mrs.
Bouleris.
[SIGHS.]
Cliff, the J.
R.
's and the McKays of this world make up their own dirty rules.
If we play their game, if we become like them, we lose.
We lose big.
Everything is up to your conscience.
McKAY: Hi, honey.
I bought some Bordeaux.
'53 was a good year.
You're so cheerful.
You may not believe this but there's a lot I admire about Bobby Ewing.
Too bad he has that terrible flaw.
What do you mean? Well, real businessmen know how to cut their losses.
They never let pride stand in their way.
Poor Bobby is going to have to learn that lesson the hard way.
Now, it's time for a toast.
To Cliff Barnes, who taught me a valuable lesson.
Never try to blackmail a moron.
[LAUGHS.]
Of course, morons like Cliff Barnes do make excellent governors.
You're so cynical, Mac.
Nonsense.
Come on over here.
I have a little gift for you.
Is that it? No.
This is.
You were right from the start, Rosie.
That tape was a mistake.
I used to have trouble admitting my mistakes but that was before I married you.
You made a great change in me.
You might say that old Mac is back in town.
I'm so glad.
CLEM: And now I'd like to present to you the folks that brought pride back to Pride.
Mrs.
Ellie Ewing Farlow and Mr.
Clayton Farlow.
[CROWD APPLAUDING.]
Thank you.
Thank you.
This is a very, uh A very special moment for me.
As you know, Pride is the birthplace of Ewing Oil.
And we wanted to do something very special for you proud people.
And when we heard that Mr.
Sparks had struck a little oil in the back of the boarding house, we got very excited.
And we figured, why not find out if there's a little oil in the old town yet? So this is our gift to you, the kind people of Pride, Texas.
I give you the pride of Pride in loving memory of Jock Ewing.
All right, boys, let her rip.
[DRONING.]
[DUO PLAYING JIG.]
[CROWD APPLAUDING.]
[CHATTERING.]
When I'm in Austin, I'm gonna need Culver's file.
Will you pull it? - Right away.
- Thanks.
Bob this belongs on your wall, not mine.
Well, I always thought so.
Are you ready for the lynch mob? Not until you read this.
Harv Smithfield wrote it up.
Uh, he has instructions to read it to the press after the verdict is announced.
In short, it absolves you and all your employees at Ewing Oil from any responsibility for the collision.
It says that I take full responsibility.
Is it signed in invisible ink? Bob, that accident was my fault.
I knew damn well that that tanker had an unacceptable rating but I let it sail because I didn't want any less zeros in my bank account.
I dragged you through hell with me, Bobby, and God knows it's not the first time.
But I guarantee you it's gonna be the last.
I'm prepared to go to jail for 10 years or whatever it takes to take the blame off Daddy's company.
I haven't been the kind of brother I'd like to have been, or son for that matter.
Daddy wrote this letter 40 years ago.
He thought he was dying and I might be the only one left to carry the banner.
He placed the future of Ewing Oil in my hands and I obviously failed him.
So I'm passing the torch on to you.
CLIFF: Recommendation number 10 rigorous testing for alcohol and other controlled substances to be initiated at random on all individuals performing safety-sensitive posts.
Recommendation number 11 that the state urge the NTSB to recommend the installation of the GPS radar system to effectively monitor and direct tanker traffic in the Gulf.
Lastly, recommendation number 12 Get to the point.
CLIFF: That the Coast Guard require double hulls and bow thrusters on all newly constructed tankers for the dual purpose of enhancing durability and maneuverability.
We feel that these recommendations, if enacted and enforced, will go a long way Why won't that woman look at me? Maybe she doesn't recognize you with your clothes on.
CLIFF: The question remains of assigning responsibility for the collision that took place on November 17th between the Faraway Hill, owned and operated by Ewing Oil and the Prometheus, owned and operated by Westar.
Now, here goes nothing.
Many hours of eyewitness testimony have proven well beyond a reasonable doubt that due to the number of circumstances including but not limited to the high seas and the dense fog at the time of impact neither party can fairly be accused of instigating this terrible tragedy.
[CROWD MURMURING.]
CLIFF: Not only is there too much conflicting testimony but now a new pivotal piece of information supplied to us by the Coast Guard has supported our decision.
So I therefore must declare the collision an act of misadventure.
This committee is adjourned.
Well, how about that, Harv? [J.
R.
CHUCKLING.]
I have no comment at this time.
Ha, ha.
Let me have that thing.
[CHUCKLING.]
Here.
I have no comment at this time.
As legal representative of Ewing Oil, I think it's fair to say that what we've Harv, would you mind? I'd like explain a few things.
- Not at all, J.
R.
- Thank you.
Thank you.
Uh, ladies and gentleman, may I have your attention please? Uh, I just want to say that there was never a doubt in my mind at any time that Ewing Oil and myself would be fully vindicated in this matter.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I mean, it was just There was no other answer.
- Do you have any idea how lucky you are? - Ha, ha.
Is this a great country or what? [J.
R.
CHUCKLING.]
- As it was our duty to clean up that spill NARRATOR: Next on Dallas: You got three of my fields.
It so happens that I'm not the buyer, but I happen to know who is.
- Bobby, could we go? - What you need to do is face reality.
End of the week, we'll be swimming in oil.
If you were doing the right thing, why didn't you tell me? Why did I have to hear from McKay? I don't owe you anything, and it's none of your business who I sleep with.
Oh, I'll sell them, all right.
Just not to you.
WOMAN: Like the magazine selection? Curious as to what your angle is.
I'm the woman that can take you where you want to go.
- There's gotta be another option.
- This is our last option.
JACKIE: Bobby, is something wrong? You're gonna think I'm crazy but I swear I just saw Pam.