24. February 2021

    EPISODE 233 - Cliffhanger!

    Previously on DALLAS:

    -----------John Ross and the rest of the family were worried sick about Alex after he was kidnapped by the deranged Shawn Smith.

    -----------Charlie arrived at Southfork to be with the family while they wait for news of Alex.

    -----------Ann and Jenna called a temporary truce in their feud in the midst of the family's crisis.

    -----------Dylan started drinking again after finding Ashley and Conner in bed.  He ended up at a bar, where he met Scott Anderson, who took him home to his place to sober up.

    -----------Ray and Donna blamed Conner and Ashley for hurting Dylan. 

    -----------Ashley confronted Jasmine, and the two got into a violent altercation.

    -----------After the police spotted Shawn and Alex in Arizona, a high speed chase followed across the state line into New Mexico.  Desperate, Shawn grabbed the wheel of  the car, causing the stolen car he and Alex were driving to crash down a steep embankment!

    Southfork....

     John Ross, Justin, and Clay are in the den at Southfork when Krystina, Charlie, Jenna, Bobby, and Ann walk into the room.  

     

    "John Ross, what's going on?"  Charlie asks.  "You've heard some news about Alex?"

     

    "Yes.  I got a call,"  replies John Ross.  "Alex and Smith were spotted just in Arizona, just over the state line from New Mexico.  When they saw the cops, they took off."

     

    "Took off?"  Krystina asks.

     

    "Then, the police lost them?"  Charlie asks.

     

    "No.  The cops took out after them,"  replies John Ross.  "As we speak the police are involved in a high speed chase with Alex and Smith."

     

    "A high speed chase?"  Charlie asks in tears.  "Oh my God.  Alex could be hurt or killed."

     

    "Charlie, Alex is going to be alright,"  Jenna says, putting her arm around her daughter.  "We have to believe that.  And we have to pray."

     

    John Ross takes a sjp of his drink, then puts his glass down.  He starts to leave the room. 

     

    "John Ross, where are you going?"  Krystina asks.

     

    "I'm goin' to New Mexico," John Ross replies.

     

    "John Ross, I don't think that's a good idea," says Bobby.  "I think the best thing right now is for us to just stay put and wait for word."

     

    "Well, I don't, Uncle Bobby.  I may not be able to do anything, but I can at least be there, whatever happens."

     

    "I'm coming, too,"  Charlie says.

     

    "Charlie, no,"  says Jenna.

     

    "Charlie, your mother's right," John Ross says.  "Just stay here."

     

    "John Ross, Alex is MY son, too, and I'm going with you."

     

    "So am I,"  Justin says.  "Alex is my nephew."

     

    "Alright.  I'll go upstairs and change and then we can go."  John Ross leaves the room and hurries up the stairs.  Krystina follows him.

     

    As Charlie begins to cry, Jenna embraces her daughter.

    Grant County, New Mexico....

    The stolen car Alex and Shawn were driving sits at the bottom of the steep embankment, right on the edge of a pond, where the car had come to rest after going over the side of the embankment.  Inside the car, Alex is unconscious, his head resting against the driver's window, blood running down the side of his face from a cut on his cheek.  Shawn, although stunned by the accident, is conscious and alert.  As the sound of police sirens can be 

    heard on the highway up the hill, Shawn knows that he has to get out of here, and FAST!  He unbuckles his seatbelt, and reaches down to pick up his gun, which is laying on the floor on the  passenger side of the car at his feet.  He looks over at Alex, who is slowly beginning to stir.  Shawn unbuckles Alex's seatbelt, then grabs him under the arms, dragging him across the seat and out of the car.  Shawn loses his footing and falls backward into the edge of the water, Alex landing on top of him.  Getting to his feet, Shawn grabs Alex and pulls him up.  "Damn it, wake up.  Wake up,"  Shawn says, shaking him.

     

    Alex opens his eyes.  "Wha......what happened?"

     

    "Come on, we're gonna have to go from here on foot."

     

    "I.......I don't think I can,"  Alex says.  "My head hurts."

     

    "Yeah, well that's just too damned bad, now let's go.  We have to hurry."  Shawn shoves the gun into Alex's ribs.  "Our only way out of this looks to be through those woods.  Now move."

     

    "Shawn, I.........I can't."

     

    "You can, and you WILL,"  Shawn says.  "I'll kill you.  I swear to God, I will.  Move."

     

    Left with no choice, Alex walks ahead of a gun wielding Shawn as the two head into the nearby woods.

     John Ross, Charlie, Justin, and Clay are on board the Ewing Oil jet flying to the small town of Silver City, New Mexico, where the car Alex and Shawn were traveling in had gone over the embankment.  John Ross and Justin are sitting on one side of the plane, facing each other, and John Ross is staring silently out the window.  

     

    "They're gonna find him, John Ross,"  Justin tells his brother.  "I just know it."

     

    "The cops said they found the car at the bottom of that hill, but there was no sign of Alex or Smith," John Ross says.  "That means that psycho has my son out there somewhere, and if he feels cornered, there's no tellin' what he'll do."

    "John Ross, Smith NEEDS Alex," says Justin.  "He needs a hostage, and he knows that if he hurts Alex, the cops will kill."

     

    "The cops won't have to kill that son of a bitch,"  John Ross says.  "Because as soon as I lay eyes on him, I'm gonna do it."

     

    "Well, you're just gonna have to stand in line for that, big brother.  Shawn Smith raped my wife and caused our baby to die.  And for that, I'm gonna PERSONALLY make him pay, so you can have whatever's left."

     

    "I just can't believe all the pain Smith has caused this fam'ly,"  says John Ross.  "I treated that kid like a son, and look what he's done to Alex, and to all of us.  And I used to really like that kid.  How the hell could he turn on us like that?"

     

    "Jeremy Wendell, that's how,"  Justin replies.  "And all that power that came with bein' head of Westar at such a young age.  If I didn't hate that kid so much, I'd actually feel sorry for him."

     

    "I'm gonna see how Charlie's doin',"  John Ross says.  Getting up from his seat, he walks over and takes a seat across from her.  "How ya holdin' up?"  He asks.

     

    "I'm scared to death,"  Charlie says.  

     

    "I know.  So am I.  But I'm gonna get our boy back, Charlie.  I promise you that."

     

    Charlie looks at him and smiles.  "I'm so glad you're with me right now, John Ross.  I couldn't face this alone.  I know I have my mother, and Lucas, but it's not the same.  You're Alex's father, and I know you're as afraid for him right now as I am."

     

    John Ross nods.  "Yes, I am."

     

    "I have so many regrets.  Mostly, I regret not spending more time with Alex.  I let my career get in the way of my relationship with my son."

     

    John Ross reaches over and takes her by the hand.  "Charlie, you listen to me.  YOU are a wonderful mother."

     

    "If I'm so wonderful, how could I keep my son from his biological father all those years."

     

    "Charlie, we've been through this already.  You did what you thought was best for Alex at the time.  It's like I've said before.  I was real young.  TOO young to be the kind of father Alex needed.  I had a lot of growin' up to do myself."

     

    Charlie smiles.  "Life is so weird.  When we were kids, I never in a million years would have imagined that you and I would one day have a son together."

     

    "Neither did I.  And we wouldn't have if it hadn't been for that one night I had too damned much to drink 21 years ago.  You, Uncle Ray, and Jenna came back to Southfork to see Clayton when he was dyin'.  Damn, I was younger then than Alex is now.  But that night seems like just yesterday."

     

    "Yes it does,"  Charlie says.

     

    Clay walks over to them.  "Hey, I'm gonna fix myself a drink, you guys want anything?"

     

    "No, thank you, Clay,"  Charlie replies.

     

    "No,"  says John Ross.

     

    Clay goes to the small liquor cabinet, opens it, and takes out one of the bottles of bourbon that is secured inside, and two glasses.  He pours two glasses of the bourbon, replaces it, then goes over and takes a seat across from Justin.  He hands one of the glasses to him.

     

    "Thanks,"  Justin says.

     

    "You're welcome."  Clay looks over at John Ross and Charlie.  "I never thought I'd say this, but I really feel sorry for John Ross right now."

     

    "So do I.  John Ross has his faults, but he loves his family."

     

    "Well, some of his family, anyway,"  Clay says sadly.

     

    "Maybe if somethin' good can come out of all this, it'll bring you and John Ross closer, especially since we're all workin' together on this."

     

    "I'd like nothing better,"  says Clay.  "I'm really tired of fighting."


     

    "Clay, when I first came to Dallas, John Ross treated me the same way he treated you," Justin says.  "It took a long time for John Ross and me to even become civil to each other.  And look at us now.  Sure, we still sometimes have our problems, but we've become real brothers.  I have no doubt that in  time, you and John Ross will have a real relationship."

     

    Clay sighs.  "Well, I hope you're right, but".......Clay pauses as he looks over at John Ross on the other side of the plane........"Honestly, I don't see it happening."

    Near Silver City, in Grant County, New Mexico....

     Meanwhile, Shawn and Alex are trekking through the woods near where their stolen Honda had gone down the embankment, the police on their trail not far behind.  Alex is being forced to carry a duffle bag of clothes they had taken from the wrecked car.  "Hurry up!  MOVE!"  Shawn orders, shoving the gun into Alex's back as he marches Alex ahead of him.

     

    "Look, I'm goin' as fast as I can.  I'm still a little out of it from that crash.  My head's kinda swimming."

     

    "Your whole damned body's gonna be swimming with the fishes if you don't move faster!  Pick up your damned feet!"

     

    Alex stops, turns around and looks at him, then looks down at the gun pointed directly at the middle section of his body. 

     

    "If you think for one minute that I won't kill you, you'd be wrong,"  Shawn says.  "At this point, I don't have a damned thing to lose.  I'm hopin' to get out of this mess alive, but I don't expect to.  So killing you wouldn't mean anything to me."

    "Unless I kill you first,"  Alex says.

     

    "In case you haven't noticed.........I'm the one with the gun.  Now move."

     

    Alex reluctantly turns and begins walking ahead of Shawn as the two make their way deeper into the woods.

    The Krebbs Ranch....

     Ray walks into the kitchen and finds Donna on her hands and knees vigorously scrubbing the kitchen floor with a scouring pad, a bucket of soapy water beside her.  "Honey, what on Earth are you doin'?"  Ray asks.

     

    "What does it look like I'm doing?  I'm scrubbing the kitchen floor.  It needed it."

     

    "I think you needed it more than the floor does."

     

    "Well, you're right about that,"  Donna says.  "I need to keep busy.  Need to keep my mind busy."

     

    Ray goes to the refrigerator, opens it, and takes out a bottle of beer.  He opens it and takes a sip.

     

    Donna angrily tosses the scouring pad into the bucket of water.  "Damn it.  Ray, I am SO angry right now."

     

    "At Conner?"  Ray asks.

     

    "At Conner.  At Ashley.  And at Jasmine Cory, if what Conner said is true and Jasmine brought Dylan over here to find Ashley and Conner together.  How could she have done something so cruel?"

     

    "She's J.R.'s granddaughter, that's how,"  says Ray.  "I guess she inherited his propensity for cruelty.  What I'd like to know is how Conner and Ashley could've done this to Dylan.  They both claim to love Dylan, but then they go and have an affair behind his back?"

     

    "Sometimes we hurt the people we love the most,"  Donna says.  

     

    "I know, that's true,"  Ray says.  "Lord knows, I've done it enough over the years."

     

    "Ray, we have to get Dylan back."

     

    "I know, but how?  I don't think it's gonna be possible right now for Conner and Dylan to live under the same roof."

     

    Donna stands.  "Well, Dylan shouldn't have been the one to move out."

     

    "You think Conner should move out, don't you?"  Ray asks.

     

    "Ray, you know that I love Conner every bit as much as I love Dylan.  But right now, Dylan is the one who needs us, and who needs to be here.  Conner and Ashley created this mess.  And I am SO angry with Conner right now, I don't know if I can look at him without being reminded of how much he hurt Dylan."

     

    Ray nods.  "Alright, then.  I'll talk to Conner.  Maybe he can stay with C.J. for a while."  He walks over to Donna and puts his arms around her.

    Fountain Place in Dallas....

     Jasmine walks up to Fountain Place in downtown Dallas that afternoon.  She pauses for a moment when she looks ahead and sees Conner, who she has come here to meet.  After a few seconds, Jasmine approaches him.  Conner sees her coming, and walks a few steps to meet her.  "Jasmine,"  he says.

     

     

    "Hello, Conner."

     

    "Thank you for meeting me."

     

    "I was surprised to get your call,"  Jasmine says.  "What do you want?"

     

    "I just wanna know why.  Why'd you do it, Jasmine?  Why the hell did you set Dylan up to find Ashley and me together?"

     


    "Why do YOU think I did it?  I really cared for you, Conner.  More than just about any guy I've ever dated.  I wanted to make love to you, but you didn't want me.  Now I know why.  Because you were screwing that little twit Ashley the whole time."

     

    "So this whole thing was about revenge?"  Conner asks.

     

    "You hurt me, Conner.  You and Ashley both hurt me.  I cared for, and I trusted both of you, and you hurt me.  No one does that to me and gets away with it."

     

    Conner moves closer to her.  "Only it wasn't me and Ashley who got hurt by your sick little revenge game.  My brother did.  Dylan was the innocent victim in all of this."

     

    "You should've thought about your brother before you decided to fall into bed with his girlfriend."

     

    Conner looks at her.  "I can't believe you.  You have got to be the coldest person I've ever met.  You destroyed my brother to get back at me and Ashley, and it's like you don't even care.  Does it even matter to you that Dylan is an alcoholic, and this is just the kind of thing that could drive him right back to the bottle?"

     

    "Of course, I care.  Look, I had no idea that Dylan had a drinking problem."

     

    "Would it have even made a difference to you?"  Conner asks.  "Or would you still have used him as a pawn in your sick revenge?"

     

    "If Dylan got hurt, it wasn't my fault.  All I did was show him what kind of backstabbing jerk and cheating slut his brother and his girlfriend are."

     

    "You know, you really are pathetic,"  Conner says.  "When I see what kind of person you really are, I'm thankful whatever relationship we had is over."

     

    "I'M pathetic?  That's really funny coming from a guy who couldn't even.......rise to the occasion whenever we were together."

     

    "Well, for your information, Jasmine, I never had that problem with Ashley.  Not once.   Only with you, which means that you're the pathetic one.  For all your physical beauty, you're as ugly as they come on the inside, and that's a real turn off.  When I was with you, I couldn't stand to have you touch me.  I couldn't wait to get away from you.  You turn my stomach."

     

    Unable to control her anger any longer, Jasmine slaps Conner as hard as she can across his face, already bruised from the beating he took from Dylan.  

     

    Conner rubs his stinging cheek, then looks at her and smiles.  "That all you got?"  He asks.

     

    Jasmine attempts to slap Conner again but he grabs her hand in mid-air, just inches from his face.  "I'll give you that first one, but not again."

     

    "Let go of me,"  Jasmine says.

     

    "After we get something real clear........you stay the hell away from me, stay away from Ashley, and stay away from Dylan.  You come anywhere near any of us again, and I'll make you sorry."

     

    "How dare you threaten me!"  

     

    "That's not a threat, Jasmine,"  Conner says.  "That's a promise."  He releases Jasmine from his grip, gives her an angry look, then turns and walks away.

     

    Jasmine is fuming with rage as she watches him walk away from her.  "You're gonna be really sorry for that, Conner Ewing.  REALLY sorry," she says.  

    Justin and Pamela's apartment....

     Afton opens the door to Brad at Justin and Pamela's apartment.  "Brad, come in,"  she says.

     

    "Afton, what's going on?"  Brad asks, walking into the apartment.  "It sounded urgent on the phone.  Is Pamela okay?"

     

    "She's asleep now, but she woke up earlier and was very agitated.  Brad, would you mind taking the boys for the afternoon?  Take them to the park, or something."

     

    "Of course, I'd be happy to."

     

    "Thank you," Afton says.  "Hunter is asking questions about what's the matter with his mother, and where Justin is.  And when Pamela wakes up, somehow I'll have to try to come up with some explanation why Justin isn't here."

     

    "Wait, what do you mean?"  Brad asks.  "Where the hell is Justin?"

     

    "He went to New Mexico with John Ross."

     


    "What?"  Asks a stunned Brad.  "New Mexico with John Ross?  The guy's wife was just raped and suffered a miscarriage, and he's off on some trip with his brother?"

     

    "Shhhh, would you keep your voice down?"  Afton sternly asks, closing the door separating the living room from the hallway leading to Pamela's bedroom.  "I don't want Pamela to wake up and hear you.  I don't want the boys hearing this, either."

     

    "I'm sorry.  But what's this New Mexico thing all about?"

     

    Afton sighs.  "I guess you haven't heard the news."

     

    "What news?"  Brad asks.  "I haven't heard any news, I've been doing research and working on assembling a staff for my new job as head of the ORC."

     

    "Did you know that Shawn Smith had escaped from police custody?"

     

    "Yes, I did hear that."

     

    "Shawn kidnapped John Ross's son, Alex, and, the police have traced them to New Mexico.  They were involved in some chase with the police and the stolen car they were in crashed over a cliff or something.  Shawn escaped with Alex.  John Ross and Justin went there.  I begged Justin not to go, but he said that he had to go.  I honestly think that he went there hoping to get his hands on Shawn Smith for what he did to Pamela."

     

    "My God,"  says Brad.  "And Pamela doesn't know anything about this?"

     

    "No, and I don't want her to know."

     

    "Well how are you going to explain to Pamela when she wakes up where Justin is?"

     

    "Justin said to tell her that he's handling some business for her at Westar.  Brad, please, just take the boys and spend some time with them this afternoon."

     

    "Okay, yeah, I'll do that."

     

    "Thank you,"  Afton says.  "I'll get the boys and check in on Pamela.  I gave her one of the sedatives the doctor prescribed for her after the miscarriage because she was pretty upset this morning.  She should sleep until late this evening.  I'll be right back."

     

    Brad nods his head as Afton leaves the room.  

    Grant County, New Mexico Sheriff's Department....

     John Ross, Charlie, Justin, and Clay walk into the Grant County Sheriff's Department in Silver City, New Mexico.  Upon entering the building, they approach a man in a suit, who speaks to them for a moment, and then points out a man across the room, the county sheriff, who is speaking with two deputies and another man in a suit.  The first man leads John Ross, Charlie, Justin, and Clay across the room to where the sheriff is speaking with his men.  "Excuse me, Sheriff?"  The man says.

     

    "Yes?"

     

    "Sheriff Frank Gomez, this is Charlotte Walton and John Ross Ewing, the parents of Alexander Ewing."

     

    "Mr. Ewing, Ms. Walton,"  the sheriff says.

     

    "Sheriff, has there been any word on my son?"  John Ross asks.

     

    "Let me just bring you folks up to speed on what's been goin' on,"  Sheriff Gomez says.  "Your son and our suspect, Shawn Smith, were spotted stopped at a roadblock set up across the state line in Cochise County, Arizona.  When suspect Smith locked eyes with an Arizona state trooper and realized he'd been recognized, he and your son took off.  Two Greenlee County sheriff's deputies and an Arizona state 

    trooper gave chase.  The suspect and your son crossed over the state line right here in Grant County.  Two New Mexico state patrol cars joined in the chase, and just before coming into Silver City, the car went over the side of the road and down a steep embankment, the drop off of which was at least 90 to 100 feet.  It took a little while for our men to be able to get down the embankment, which is covered in brush, but by the time they reached the car at the bottom, Smith and your son were gone."

    "Well, then that's good, isn't it?"  Charlie asks.  "They were gone, which means that Alex is okay.  He wasn't injured in the accident."

     

    "Not necessarily, Miz Walton,"  Sheriff Gomez says.  "What it means is that your son is still Shawn Smith's hostage, and they're out there in that forest somewhere.  We have no way of knowin' how badly he might be injured."

     

    "What the hell?"  John Ross asks.  "Are you tryin' to scare her to death?"

     

    "No, I'm not, Mr. Ewing.  I'm simply telling you folks the truth.  If Smith has taken your son into those woods, it's gonna be real hard to find 'em, especially with night comin' soon.  There's a lot of ground out there to cover in that Gila National Forest. There's a lot of dangers out there in those woods, too, but even more danger if they make it through the woods to the other side."

     

    "Why, what's on the other side of the woods?"  Charlie asks.

     

    "The desert,"  replies Sheriff Gomez.   "I have every available man out there looking, but unfortunately my department is short staffed.  The state police also have men on the search, but again, due to severe budget cuts, they, too, don't have enough men to cover those woods.  I also got word that the FBI will be getting involved, since this is an interstate kidnapping case.  They'll be arriving first thing in the morning."

     

    "I don't know what makes me more frightened for Alex........the woods, or the desert,"  says Charlie.  "Or the fact that Alex is still with a maniac like Shawn Smith."

     

    As Charlie begins to cry, John Ross puts his arms around her and embraces her.

    Southfork....

     Bobby is pouring himself a drink at the bar in the Southfork den as Courtney walks into the foyer and stops short before entering the den.  Bobby's back is to her, so he doesn't see Courtney when she comes to the door.  She pauses for a moment before going in, unsure if she wanted to see her father-in-law.  Finally, she walks into the room.  "Bobby,"  she says.

     

    He turns to face her.  "Courtney, hello,"  he says.  "I've been wondering where you've been the last couple days."

     

    "I know, and I'm sorry that I haven't been around.  Jacob and I have been staying in town."

     

    "Christopher told me there had been some problems."

     

    "Yes,"  Courtney says.  "Is Christopher here?"

     

    "I'm right here, Courtney,"  Christopher's voice comes from behind her.  Courtney turns around and sees Christopher standing in the doorway.  "I saw your car drive up,"  he says.

     

    "Can we talk?"  Courtney asks.

     

    "Yeah, I think we need to."

     

    "I'll leave you two alone,"  says Bobby.  "I need to call John Ross and see if they made it to New Mexico alright.  He takes a sip of his drink, places the glass on the bar, and leaves the room.

     

    "What's this about New Mexico?"  Courtney asks.

     

    "Shawn and Alex were spotted there.  The cops are on their trail.  John Ross and Charlie flew to New Mexico today so they could be there when.....or when Alex is found."

     

    "My God, this whole thing is like a nightmare."

     

    "Yes it is,"  Christopher says.  "But despite everything going on, Courtney, I think that you and I need to talk about us."

     

    "Yes, Christopher, we do."

     

    "These last couple days.......you've been with Gioberti, haven't you?"  Christopher asks.

     

    Courtney is silent for a moment as she hesitates answering Christopher's question.  After a few seconds, she turns away from him.

     

    Christopher nods.  "You just answered my question by your silence."

     

    Courtney turns back to face him.  "Yes, I was with Joseph.  And where have you been, Christopher?  With Lucia Trevino?"

     

    "I've been at the hospital with Lucia.  Her son has been fighting for his life after what your brother did to him."

     

    "Now you're using Miguel as an excuse,"  says Courtney.  "All these months, Christopher you've been drifting away from me and closer to Lucia.  And now, you're using her son as a reason to spend all your time with her.  Christopher, we have a major problem in our marriage."

     

    "And you think Lucia's the problem?"

     

    "She's part of it, but not all.  Our problem goes much deeper than Lucia Trevino, and it started even before she came here from Mexico.  Christopher, you've never been able to accept the fact that Joseph is Jacob's father.  It's always bothered you.  And look at you now, you're not even bothering to deny it."

     

    "Courtney, you know that I've always loved Jacob like he was my own son,"  Christopher says.  "That's why I wanted to legally adopt him.  If it hadn't been Joseph, I'd have been able to adopt Jacob, and the three of us would've been a real family."

     

    "Christopher, we WERE a real family as far as I was concerned, and as far as Jacob was concerned.  He thought of you as his father."

     

    "But then Gioberti insisted on coming back into Jacob's life, and yours.  Damn it, Courtney, I tried to be patient.  I tried to understand when you let Jacob spend time with Joseph.  But then it became like Jacob had two fathers, and I'm sorry, but I'm not willing to be a co-father to my son.  And I'm sure as hell not willing to share you with Joseph Gioberti."

     

    Courtney looks at him, tears in her eyes.  "And I'm not willing to share you with Lucia Trevino, either."

     

    "Courtney, I've told you a hundred times........Lucia and I are just friends.  She needed my help, and I gave it.  Can you say the same thing about Joseph?"

     

    "Why do we ALWAYS have to come back to Joseph?"  Courtney asks, turning and walking across the room.  After a brief pause, she turns back to face him.  "Damn it, Christopher, Joseph is Jacob's father.  I denied him knowing his son for years, and it wasn't fair of me to try to keep the two of them apart,  Joseph had a right to see Jacob."

     

    "And what about my rights, Courtney?  God, I wanted to build a life and a family with you and with Jacob.  But it was never gonna be just the three of us.  It was gonna be you, me, Jacob, and Joseph.  Joseph Gioberti had a one night stand with you fourteen years ago and got you pregnant.  Courtney, the guy didn't even remember you.  How the hell does that qualify him to be a father to your son?  I helped you find Jacob's adoptive parents and helped you reunite with him.  I taught him how to ride a horse, and how pitch a baseball.  I went to his school functions, and all the father-son stuff at school.  I did, Courtney.  ME.  NOT Joseph Gioberti.  And then I had to watch that guy come into Jacob's life and into your life, and suddenly, it's like the three of you were a family and I was the fourth wheel."

     

    "Christopher, I'm sorry that you felt that way."

     

    "So where do we stand now, Courtney?"  Christopher asks.  "Does our marriage stand a chance of surviving this?"

     

    "I don't know, Christopher,"  Courtney replies in tears.  "I'm very confused right now."

     

    "Confused?  Confused about Joseph?  About your feelings for him?"

     

    Courtney nods.  

     

    "Courtney, I'm gonna ask you a question, and I want an honest answer.  I think you owe me that much.  Have you slept with him?"

     

    Courtney remains silent as she turns away from him.  

     

    Christopher moves closer to her.  "Answer my question, Courtney.  Have you and Joseph slept together?"

     

    "Yes,"  she replies, crying.  "Christopher, I'm so sorry.  I never meant for it to happen......"

     

    "You just couldn't stop it, is that it?"  Christopher asks.

     

    "Christopher....."  Courtney reaches out to him.

     

    "No,"  he says, pulling away from her.  "I don't want you to touch me.  Just leave."

     

    Courtney nods.  She wipes her tears, then walks past Christopher to the door.  She pauses at the door.  "I'll send for mine and Joseph's things," she says.  "Christopher, now I have a question for you.  Have you gone to bed with Lucia?"

     

    Christopher looks at her in silence for a few seconds.  "I honestly wish I could say yes.  I wish I could hurt you as much as you just hurt me.  But no.  I haven't gone to bed with Lucia."

     

    Courtney looks at him through her years, then walks out, leaving Christopher both angry and deeply hurt.

    Grant County, New Mexico....evening....

     John Ross pours a cup of coffee in a waiting room at the Grant County Sheriff's Department.  Walking across the room, he hands the coffee to Charlie.  "Thanks,"  she says.

     

    "You're welcome." 

     

    "It's getting dark,"  Charlie says.  "It'll be pitch black out there soon."

     

    John Ross sighs.  "I know.  I don't like this sittin' around here waitin'."

     

    "What other choice do we have?"

     

    "I should be out there,"  John Ross.  "I should be in on this search."

     

    "I agree,"  Justin says, he and Clay walking into the room.  

     

    "Justin and I were talking,"  says Clay.  "I think the three of us should be out there joining the search."

     

    "You're right, we should,"  John Ross says.  "Come on, let's do this."

     

    "I'm going, too,"  says Charlie.

     

    "Like hell, you are,"  John Ross tells her.  

     

    "John Ross, Alex is my son....."

     

    "He's my son, too, Charlie, and I will bring him back.  But the last thing I need is to be worryin' about you out there, too."

     

    "He's right, Charlie,"  says Justin.  "I was talkin' to one of the officers, and lookin' at some maps.  It's pretty rough country out there.  And look, I don't mean to sound sexist, but it's no place for a woman."

     

    "Charlie, I need you to go to that little motel we passed down the road and check yourself in,"  John Ross says.  "You check in, and you wait to hear from us.  Now will you do that?"

     

    "Yes."

     

    "Alright, good."

     

    "What are we gonna do about that sheriff?"  Justin asks.  "I doubt he's gonna be too happy about us goin' out there joinin' his search."

     

    "My son is out there somewhere," John Ross replies.  "And no one, including that over the hill sheriff, is gonna stop me from goin' out there to look for him."

     

    "Don't you guys think we should at last wait until morning?"  Clay asks.  "It's getting dark outside and it's gonna be even darker in those woods."

     

    "Then we'll take lanterns,"  John Ross says.

     

    "Besides, the more time that passes, the further away Shawn Smith is gonna get with Alex,"  Justin says.  

     

    "And the more chance of that maniac hurtin' my son,"  says John Ross.  "So we got no time to waste."

     

    "First we're gonna need to get to a store and buy some supplies,"  Justin says.  "We'll need lanterns, flashlights, batteries......"

     

    "And a couple guns, and some ammunition,"  says John Ross.  

     

    "John Ross......please, bring our son back safely."

     

    John Ross gently touches Charlie's face.  "I will.  I promise."

    Meanwhile....Gila National Forest near Silver City....

    Shawn continues to force Alex at gunpoint deeper into the woods of the Gila National Forest just outside of Silver City.  The two young men come to a stream flowing through the middle of the forest, cutting off their path.  Alex stops at the edge of the stream and looks at the shallow water flowing in front of him.  

     

    "Go,"  Shawn says.  

     

    "The water......"

     

    "So?  It's only water.  Now move,"  Shawn orders.

     

    Alex turns to face him.  "Shawn, this is nuts.  It's cold, it's dark, we can barely see where we're going.  

    We're both weak and hungry.  We haven't eaten anything since yesterday.  We have no idea where we're going, or where these woods come out.  We can't go on, we have to rest."

     

    "Unless you want me to blow your freaking head off right here, get your ass across that stream of


    water before I'm forced to conclude that your usefulness to me has come to an end."

     

    "Shawn.......please,"  Alex says.  "Dude, I know you're scared.  But I know that the guy who use to be my friend is still inside of you somewhere.  If we keep going into these woods, we're both gonna die.  Please, let's just stop."

     

    Shawn points the gun directly at Alex's face.  "Maybe you didn't hear me.........get your bony ass in that water, NOW!  Or I swear to God, I'll kill you, Alex."

     

    Alex turns and looks at the water.  Reluctantly, he steps off the bank and into the water, which is only knee deep.  He winces in pain as the water is ice cold.  With Shawn behind him, holding the gun at his back, Alex moves quickly through the ice cold water and to the other side of the stream, then grabs onto a tree and pulls himself out of the water.  As Shawn also grabs onto the tree to pull himself out, Alex sees for the first time, an opportunity for possible escape.  With Shawn vulnerable, Alex kicks the gun out of Shawn's hand.  The gun goes airborne, and lands on the ground a few feet away.  Alex quickly makes a run for the gun in hopes of getting it and subduing Shawn, but Shawn regains his footing, and makes a leap for Alex, tackling him and wrestling him to the ground.  Alex tries to hit Shawn in order to escape his grip, but Shawn blocks the blow, then punches Alex hard across the face.  Alex is on the ground with Shawn on top of him.  As Alex continues to struggle to break free, Alex punches him a second time.  Alex manages to grab Shawn by the throat, temporarily cutting off his air.  Using all his might, Alex pushes Shawn off of him, then he crawls to try to retrieve the gun, but Shawn quickly rebounds and grabs Alex's foot.  Alex kicks at him, striking Shawn on the forehead.  He again makes an attempt to grab the gun, but Shawn again recovers, and grabs Alex by the hair as he gets on top of his back.  Shawn forcibly shoves Alex's face into the ground, striking his forehead on the

     ground, stunning him.  Shawn then gets to his feet, and picks up the gun, pointing it down at Alex, who is still stunned from the blow to the head he'd just received.  Alex rolls over onto his back and sees Shawn standing over him with the gun pointed directly at his chest.  

     

    "You stupid son of a bitch,"  Shawn says.  "I should kill you for that."  Enraged at Alex's attempt to escape, Shawn kneels down beside him, then brutally strikes Alex across the face.  While Alex is still dazed from this latest blow, Shawn stands, looks down at him, and viciously kicks Alex as hard as he can in the ribs on his right side.  Alex cries out in pain as he draws his legs up to his chest in a fetal position.  Shawn again looks down at him.  After a brief pause, he kneels beside Alex and grabs him by the hair, pulling him into a sitting position.  Shawn pull Alex's head back by the hair with one hand, and puts the barrel of his gun in Alex's face with his other hand.  "You EVER try anything like that again, and I promise you, Alex, what I'll do to you will have you BEGGING me to kill you.  Now get on your feet."

     

    "I can't,"  Alex cries.  "I think you broke my ribs."

     

    "You'll be fine, you can walk it off.  Now get on your damned feet."  Still grasping Alex's hair in his hand, Shawn cruelly forces him to his feet.  "Now get going unless you want me to break those ribs on your other side."

     In terrible pain, Alex begins walking deeper into the woods, a gun wielding Shawn right behind him.

    Later....

    An hour later, darkness has completely engulfed Grant County, New Mexico, as John Ross, Justin, and Clay enter the eerie woods of the Gila National Forest in search of Alex and Shawn.  The three men carry with them backpacks filled with the supplies they will need.......bottled water, extra batteries for their flashlights, and ammunition for the hand guns that each is carrying with him in case they find Shawn.  "Justin, you got that compass?"  John Ross asks.

     

    "Got it right here."

     

    "Good.  Look, y'all know this could be dangerous.  If either one of you wants to back out and go back to the motel......I'll understand.  This itn't your fight, it's mine.  It's my son Smith has got out there in those woods."

     

     

    "It's not our fight?"  Justin asks.  "That's where you're wrong, John Ross.  This IS my fight.  You're my brother, Alex is my nephew.  And not only that, I want......I NEED to be in on Smith gettin' caught.  That son of a bitch raped my wife and cost us the life of our unborn baby.  I got a stake in seein' him pay, too."

     

    "I feel the same, John Ross,"  Clay says.  "I care an awful lot about Alex, and all of us have a score to settle with Shawn Smith."

     

    John Ross looks at the two and nods.  "Alright, then, let's do this."

     

    "Let's go,"  says Clay.  

     

    The three men brace themselves, then head into the dark woods in pursuit of Shawn and Alex.

     

     

    Early the next morning....

     

    By dawn, Alex is completely exhausted as he and Shawn continue their seemingly endless trek through the forest.  As they come to another small stream of water, Alex stops walking, and places his hand against a tree to brace himself.  

     

    "What the hell are you stopping for?"  Shawn asks.

     

    "I've gotta rest,"  Alex replies.  "My damned ribs are killing me, and I'm weak and exhausted.  I can't go any further until I rest."

    "Okay, we'll rest,"  says Shawn.  "I'm pretty beat myself.  But first, we gotta find a place.  Some place where we can hide out for an hour or so.  Over there looks like a good place.  Down that hill.  Looks like a cave or something as best I can make out.  We'll stop and rest there for a while.  But I'm warning you, PAL.  If you think I'm gonna fall asleep and you can get away.........forget it.  I'm gonna stay wide awake with both eyes on you.  Now get going."

     

    Alex looks at him for a second, then the two begin walking down a hill toward a cave by a creek.

    Half an hour later....

    never gonna find Alex and Shawn out here in these woods.  There's only 3 of us, and a hell of a lot of territory to cover.  I think we should go back to town and ask that sheriff if we can join in the official search."

     

    "Well, if that's what you wanna do, Clay,

    With sun up and the cold of the night giving way to the warmth of morning,  John Ross, Justin, and Clay continue hiking through the woods of Gila National Forest.  Clay stops walking and lets out a deep sigh.  John Ross and Justin also stop, and look at him.  "Clay, what's wrong?"  John Ross asks.

     

    "John Ross, maybe this whole thing is crazy," Clay says. "This is like looking for a needle in a haystack.  We're 


    if you wanna quit, then you go right ahead and quit.  Nobody's stoppin' you,"  John Ross says.  "But I'm not quittin'.  My son is out here in these woods somewhere, and every minute he's in the hands of that nutcase Shawn Smith, his life is in danger.  No way in hell am I gonna stop until I find Alex and make Shawn Smith pay for what he's done.  Now I gave you a chance to back out of this last night. So if you wanna back out now, then you go on.  That goes for you too, Justin."

     

    "I'm not quittin' til we find Alex,"  Justin says.  

     

    "Thank you,"  John Ross says.

     

    "How 'bout it, Clay?"  Justin asks.

     

    Clay is silent for a few seconds as he contemplates his decision.  "I'm not quitting either, then.  Let's do this."

     

    Justin nods as he places his hand on Clay's shoulder.  

     

    "Let's get goin', then,"  says John Ross.  "Every minute we delay gives Smith a chance to get further away with Alex."

     

    John Ross turns and continues on into the woods.  Justin and Clay exchange looks, both of them concerned about John Ross as well as Alex, then they begin following John Ross into the woods to continue their search.

    Meanwhile....

    Alex and Shawn are sitting on some rocks just inside a small cave at the bottom of a hill in the forest.  They are eating some berries they had found just outside the cave, on the bank of a creek that runs alongside the cave.  Shawn watches as Alex devours the berries.  "You're eating those things like a starving animal,"  Shawn says.  

     

    "I am starving,"  Alex says.  "We haven't eaten since day before yesterday."

     

    "Missing a few meals itn't gonna kill you,"  Shawn says.  "I've missed a lot of meals lately, ever since I've been in this mess, thanks to you and your damned family."

     

    Alex looks at him.  "The only person to blame for this mess you're in, Shawn, is YOU.  You did this to yourself.  Your quest for money and power destroyed you, just like it did your brother, Tripp.  It turned you into a monster.  How did this happen to you, Shawn?  How did you get to where you are right now?  God, you use to be this really great guy.  You were my best friend.  I loved you like a brother.  My family took you in and treated you like one of us, and you turned on us like a rattle snake."  

     

    "Shut up,"  Shawn says.  

     

    Alex looks at his former friend for a moment.  

     

    "What the hell are you staring at?"  Shawn asks.  

     

    "I was just trying to figure out how it happened,"  replies Alex.  "How you got to this point.  How you went from being this awesome guy, my best friend, to being what you are now."

     

    "And just what am I, Alex?"

     

    "You're a monster.  A rapist.  A murderer.  You raped Pamela.  Caused her to lose her baby.  You killed Tyler in cold blood.  TYLER, man.  Tyler was your friend."

    "I didn't mean to kill Tyler,"  Shawn says.  "It was an accident."

     

    "Yeah.....sure.  He's still dead."

     

    "Shut up.  Just shut the hell up."

     

    "Do you even care that you killed him, Shawn?"  Alex asks.  "Do you even feel ANYTHING for him?  Does it bother you that you took a human life?  And not just any human life, but someone who was once your friend.  You remember when you first came to Braddock High?  Tyler was one of the first people to befriend you.  To make you feel welcome."

     

    "I said shut up,"  Shawn says, losing patience with his hostage.

     

    "What was it like when you hit him over the head and caved his skull in?  Did you feel ANYTHING at all?  Sorrow?  Regret?  Did you remember the times Tyler use to hang out with us?  Did you look into his face as he died?  What did you see, Shawn?"

     

    "I told you to SHUT THE HELL UP!"  Shawn yells as he suddenly leaps to his feet and hits Alex hard across the face.  "Now either you shut your damned mouth, or I shut it for you."

     

    Recovering from the blow, Alex looks up at him.  "You really enjoy this, don't you?  Having total power over someone else's life.  But if you didn't have that gun....."

     

    Shawn grabs Alex by the hair and pulls his head back, then points the gun at his face.  "I'm not telling you again.  Shut that big mouth of yours, or I rip your tongue out.  Understand?"

     

    Alex nods.

     

    "Good,"  Shawn says, releasing Alex from his grip.  

     

    As Shawn moves away from him, Alex sees an opportunity, and rushes Shawn, grabbing for the gun.  Alex grabs Shawn's wrist, and for a few seconds, the two struggle over the gun.  They fall to the ground, still struggling for control of the gun, and one of them accidentally presses the trigger, causing the gun to go off, the sound of the gunshot magnified inside the cave.

    A short distance away....

    John Ross, Justin, and Clay are making their way through the forest not far away when they hear the shot ring out.  The three men stop in their tracks.  "Y'all hear that?"  John Ross asks.

     

    "That was definitely a gunshot," says Justin.  

     

    "Sounded like jt came from that direction,"  Clay says, pointing eastward.  

     

    "Come on, let's go,"  John Ross says, the three rushing deeper into the woods in the direction the gunshot seemed to have come from.

    Back in the cave....

    Shawn has Alex on the ground in the cave, punching him in the face as Alex struggles to free himself from Shawn's grip.  Shawn grabs Shawn's throat and begins to choke him.  Alex continues to struggle, but feeling weak and in agonizing pain from the earlier injury to his ribs, he is unable to break free.  His life begins to flash before his eyes, Shawn's grip around his throat cutting off his air supply, and Alex is certain that Shawn is going to kill him.  But after several seconds, Shawn finally releases Alex from his powerful grip and stands to his feet.  Alex rolls over onto his side, coughing and barely able to breath.  

     

    Shawn looks down at Alex.  "You stupid son of a bitch!"  He angrily says.  "I should've just killed you."

     

    "Why.......didn't you?"  Alex asks, coughing.  "Why don't you just do it and get it over with?  I know you're probably gonna kill me anyway."

     

    An angry Shawn suddenly kicks Alex in the crotch, causing Alex to yell out in pain and curl his body into a fetal position.  "Oh, believe me, I'd like nothing better than to kill you right now,"  Shawn says.  "But I need you alive if I have any chance at all of getting out of this alive myself.  But don't you think for one SECOND that I won't kill you if you continue trying my patience.  Come on.  On your feet.  We're getting out of here."

     

    Alex continues to writhe in pain on the ground.

     

    "I said, get on your feet,"  Shawn says, pointing his gun at Alex's head.  

     

    Alex looks up at him and hesitates, then, as he attempts to stand, he is again gripped by pain from his groin, the result of the brutal kick Shawn had given him.  Unable to stand right away, Alex falls back to his knees.  

     

    Shawn loses patience with his hostage.  "You're REALLY pissin' me off,"  he says, grabbing Alex by the hair and pulling him to his feet.  Alex again yells out in pain.  

    Meanwhile....

     

    John Ross, Justin, and Clay are hiking up a hill nearby when they hear Alex's yell.  The three men stop in their tracks.  "Wait, did y'all hear that?"  John Ross asks.  "That was Alex's voice."

     

    "Sounded like it came from back there, in that canyon," says Clay.

     

    "Let's go,"  John Ross says.  He begins running down the hill toward the cave where he believes the yell had come from, Justin and Clay following closely behind.

    Back in the cave....

    Shawn angrily forces Alex out of the cave at gunpoint.  "You are REALLY trying my patience, Ewing," Shawn says.  "I can kill you in two ways......I can do it fast, or I can do it real slow, so slow you'll be in so much pain you'll be begging me to put you out of your misery.  It's your choice.  But if you keep trying my patience the way you've been doing, I can promise you, your death will be as slow and painful as I can make it.  Now we're getting the hell out of here.  And just remember what I said."

     

    "ALEX!!"  John Ross's voice can be heard in the distance calling his son's name.

     

    Alex quickly turns around and looks in the direction from which John Ross's voice had come.  "John Ross,"  Alex says.

     

    Before Alex can react further, Shawn grabs him around the neck and places the gun against his face.  "Don't you make a sound,"  Shawn says.  "If John Ross finds us, I'll kill you both, but I'll kill him first so you can watch.  Come on!"  Shawn forcefully drags Alex back into the cave, and drags him through the cave and to the cave's rear entrance.  "Come on, MOVE!"  Shawn orders as he drags Alex out of the back entrance of the cave.  

     

    As Shawn and Alex hurry away from the cave, Shawn with his arm around Alex's next, basically dragging him, they trek through a very shallow ankle deep stream.  Stepping on a rock, Alex loses his footing and trips, causing both himself and Shawn to fall.  This further enrages Shawn, who is already teetering on the edge of totally snapping.  

     

    "You stupid jackass, get up,"  Shawn orders, grabbing Alex by the arm and pulling him to his feet.  "Let's go.....MOVE!  HURRY!"  

     

    Just atop a hill near the cave, John Ross, Justin, and Clay are moving in the same direction as Shawn and Alex, and are closing in on them with each passing second, but do not yet see then due to all the trees, brush, and bushes that obscure the view of the cave and stream below the hill from the trail through the woods the tree men are following.  

     

     

    Finally, Justin catches a glimpse of Shawn and Alex down the hill as they move through the woods.  "John Ross, there!"  Justin says, pointing down the hill.

     

    "What is it?"  John Ross asks.  He looks down the hill and sees his son with Shawn, moving across a creek to the other side of the woods.   "ALEX!!!"  John Ross calls out loudly. He quickly pulls out his gun and points it directly at Shawn.  "HOLD IT SMITH!!!"  He yells.  

    Shawn turns and sees John Ross with the gun on him.  

     

    "SMITH, LET MY SON GO AND TURN AROUND REAL SLOW OR I'LL BLOW YOU TO HELL RIGHT HERE AND NOW!"  John Ross says.  

     

    Shawn turns around and looks at John Ross.  

     

    "DROP YOUR GUN......SLOWLY,"  John Ross orders.  

     

    Shawn appears to be about to toss the gun into the water, when suddenly, in the blink of an eye, he raises the gun at John Ross and fires four shots in quick succession.  John Ross is struck in the left shoulder by a bullet and falls to the ground!

     

     

    "NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!"  Alex screams as he sees John Ross fall to the ground, wounded.  "DAAADDD!!!!!"

     

    "Come on!!"  Shawn orders, grabbing Alex around the neck again and dragging him to the other side of the  creek.  

     

    Meanwhile, atop the hill, Justin and Clay rush to a wounded John Ross's aid as he lays on the ground, bleeding from his shoulder.

     

    Meanwhile, atop the hill, Justin and Clay rush to John Ross's side as he lays wounded on the ground, bleeding from his shoulder wound.  

     

    "JOHN ROSS!"  Justin says.  "How bad is it?"

     

    "Never mind me," John Ross says in a weak voice.  "Go......go get Alex.  Go get my son."


     

    "Clay.......stay with him,"  Justin says.  He takes off his top shirt and places it on John Ross's wounded shoulder.  "Here, apply pressure to his shoulder."

     

    "Justin, what are you gonna do?"  Clay asks.  

     

    "I'm goin' after Alex and Smith.  Stay with John Ross.  See if you can get a signal on your phone and call that sheriff and call for help for John Ross."  Justin looks down at his brother and places his hand on John Ross's hand.  "I'm gonna get Alex back, John Ross.  I promise."

     

    John Ross nods as he struggles to stay conscious.

     

    "Justin, for God's sake, be careful!"  Clay says.  

     

    "I will."  Justin grabs his revolver and takes John Ross's gun, then quickly dashes down the hill. 

     

    Clay watches him as Justin runs into the woods in pursuit of Shawn and Alex.  Clay places his hand on top of Justin's shirt on John Ross's shoulder, his hand quickly becoming covered in blood.  "John Ross, stay with me,"  Clay says.  

     

    Meanwhile, Shawn forcefully drags a struggling Alex deeper into the woods.  "You son of a bitch!  I'm gonna kill you for this!"

     

    "Shut up, Ewing, just SHUT THE HELL UP!!"  Shawn angrily says.  He stops, and shoves Alex to the ground.  

     

     

    "YOU KILLED HIM!  YOU KILLED HIM, YOU SON OF A BITCH!"  Alex yells.

     

     

    "And unless you wanna be next, you'll shut your mouth right now!  Because I swear, your death won't be that quick or that easy.."

     

    "ALEX!!"  Justin calls in the distance.

     

    Shawn looks at his hostage.  "Not one sound.  Get moving, unless you want me to kill your Uncle Justin, too."

     

    Tears running down his face mixing with the dirt and dust of these past few days on the run, Alex turns and begins walking ahead, Shawn right behind him with the gun pressed against Alex's spine.

    Justin and Pamela's apartment in Dallas....

     Pamela suddenly awakens from a nightmare and sits bolt upright in bed.  "Justin!"  She calls out.  Disoriented, she looks around the bedroom and realizes she is alone.  

     

    Meanwhile, Afton is in the kitchen making some tea.  When she finishes, she places the tea pot and a glass filled with ice on a tray and leaves the kitchen.  As she comes into the living room, she finds Pamela standing in the middle of the room, a confused look on her face.  "Pammy, sweetheart,"  Afton says, putting the tray down on a table.  

     

    "Mom, what's going on?"  Pamela asks.  "Where's Justin?  Where are the boys?"

     

    "Darling, the boys are with Brad,"  Afton replies.

     

    "With Brad?  Why?  Why are they with Brad?"

     

    "Because I didn't want them to disturb you.  You needed the rest, and besides, Brad has been wanting to spend some time with his nephews."

     

    Pamela looks around the room.  "Where is Justin?"

     

    "He's.......out."

     

    "Out?  Out where?  Mom, what's going on?  What aren't you telling me?  I had the most awful dream."

     

    "Oh, sweetheart, it was only a dream,"  Afton says, putting her arms around her daughter.  Just then, the doorbell rings.  "I'll see who that is."  Afton walks to the door and opens it to find Sue Ellen there, much to her surprise.  "Sue Ellen,"  she says.

     

    "Hello, Afton.  May I come in?"  Sue Ellen asks.

     

    "Of course."

     

    Sue Ellen walks into the apartment.  "Pamela.  I came over to see how you're feeling."

     

    "She's doing some better,"  Afton says.  

     

    "I'm okay, Sue Ellen, thank you,"  Pamela says.

     

    "Pamela, I also wanted to let you know that, if there is anything I can do for you, anything at all, just ask."

     

    Pamela nods.  "Thank you."

     

    Afton looks at her daughter.  "Pamela, I think that you're still half asleep.  Let me help you back to bed.  Sue Ellen, I'll be right back."

     

    "Alright,"  Sue Ellen says as Afton helps Pamela out of the room and down the hall to her bedroom.  While Afton is gone, Sue Ellen walks over to a table and looks at a group of framed photos sitting on top.  She picks up a photo of Justin and Pamela and smiles, then gently sits the photo back down.  Another photo, one of Justin and John Ross, catches her eye.  She picks it up and gently touches John Ross's face on the photo.  A tear falls down her cheek.  

     

    Afton returns to the room.  "Mitch gave Pamela a very powerful sedative.  She's been sleeping for most of the past few days.  I haven't told her about anything that's been happening.  She has no idea about Alex's kidnapping, or that Justin has gone to New Mexico with John Ross.  She's been sleeping so much because of the sedatives, I was hoping Justin would be home before I had to tell her anything."

     

     

    "Sleep is probably the best thing for her right now."

     

    "Yes, that's exactly what Mitch said.  Sue Ellen, has there been any news on Alex?"

     

    "No,"  Sue Ellen replies, shaking her head.  "I've been trying to keep myself busy at Ewing Oil, but it's been impossible to keep my mind on work or anything else.  I just had to get out for a while."

     

    "Sue Ellen, I know that you and I have never gotten along, but, I want you to know that I'm really hoping and praying that Alex is found safe, and that John Ross and Justin come home safely."

     

    "Thank you, Afton, I really appreciate that,"  Sue Ellen says.  "Well, would you listen to us?  We're actually being civil to one another for a change."

     

    "Yes, and when this whole nightmare is over, we'll probably be at each others' throats again," Afton says.

     

    Sue Ellen smiles.  "You're probably right.  Well, I'd better run.  I told Catlin I wouldn't be gone long."

     

    "Alright.  Sue Ellen, thank you for coming by, and if you do hear anything, please let me know."

     

    "I will, Afton.  Bye."

     

    "Goodbye, Sue Ellen,"  Afton says as Sue Ellen leaves.  

    Todd Baxter's apartment....

     Todd Baxter is heating up a dinner in his microwave when his doorbell rings.  Todd smiles, then hurries to his front door, obviously expecting someone.  "Hey, you're early,"  he says, opening the door.  Todd is surprised to find Ray and Donna are his visitors.  "Oh, Mr. and Mrs. Krebbs.  I'm sorry, I was expecting someone else."

     

    "That's okay,"  Ray says.  "Todd, how ya doin'?"

     

    "I'm fine.  What can I do for you folks?"

     

    "Todd, can we see Dylan?"  Donna asks.  

     

    "Dylan?"

     

    "Yeah, he's not answerin' his phone,"  says Ray.  

     

    "And we were hoping we could talk to him in person,"  Donna says.  "Since he's not taking our calls, he's obviously still quite upset."

     

    "Umm, I'm sorry, but Dylan's not here,"  Todd says.  "He hasn't been here."

     

    "What do you mean he hadn't been here?"  Ray asks.  "Hasn't Dylan been stayin' here with you?"

     

    "No, he hasn't.  Dylan WAS here a couple days ago, but, I didn't see him.  I, uh, I had some company over here that day and Dylan showed up when I was in the shower.  It was obviously very awkward and uncomfortable for him, so he left.  I just assumed he went back to your house."

     

    Ray and Donna exchange looks in astonishment.  "Todd, you're tellin' us that Dylan came here to your apartment a couple days ago, he got upset when he saw whoever it was you had over here that day, he left, and you haven't even checked on him to see if he was back home at our place, or if he was even okay?"

     

    "Look, like I said, I just assumed he went back home to your place."

     

    "I don't believe this,"  Ray says.

     

    "Todd, WE have not seen Dylan since he left our house 3 days ago and he said he was coming here to stay with you."

     

    "And you haven't heard anything from him at all?"  Todd asks.

     

    "Not a word," Donna replies.  "We thought he was here with you."

     

    "My God,"  Todd says.  "Then where in the world could he be?"

     

    "That's what we'd like to know,"  Ray says.  He and Donna exchange worried looks.

    River Liquor Store, Dallas....

     Dylan walks into the River Liquor Store near downtown Dallas and begins looking around at the various alcoholic beverages the store has for sale.  He finally settles on a bottle of Evan Williams Bourbon.  Taking the bottle from the shelf, Dylan walks up to the counter and sits the bottle down.  

     

    The cashier, a young man about Dylan's age, walks up to the counter.  "That gonna be it for you?   Oh, hey, man.  Dylan Baxter, right?"

     

    Dylan looks at him with a puzzled expression.  

     

    "You don't remember me?  Marcus Williams.  We went to high school together."

     

    "Oh, yes.......I do remember you," Dylan says.  


     

    "Yeah, we were in the same English Lit class senior year.  Old Mr. Bellflower.  Y'know, I heard he passed away a few months ago,"  Marcus says as he scans Dylan's bottle of bourbon.  "Oh, I almost forgot.  I need to see your I.D., man.  Even though I know you're my age, I still have to see proof."

     

    "Yeah, sure,"  Dylan says.  He takes out his wallet and shows his license to his former classmate.

     

    "Dylan Ewing?  When did you change your last name?"

     

    "A while ago.  It's a long story,"  Dylan says, nervously.  

     

    "Okay,"  Marcus says, giving Dylan back his wallet.  "That'll be $27.50."

     

    Dylan takes out his debit card and swipes it through the card reader. 

     

    "So, what's been goin' on with you since the old days at Hillcrest High School?"  Marcus asks.

     

    "Just.......trying to survive, man,"  Dylan replies.

     

    Marcus looks at him curiously.  "Yeah.  Yeah, I know what you mean,"  he says, handing Dylan his bottle of bourbon in a bag.  "Well, it was good seein' you again, Dylan.  Maybe we should get together some time.  Just add me on Facebook and hit me up."

     

    "Sure, I, uh, I will.  Thanks,"  Dylan says.  He turns and walks out of the store as Marcus watches him, a look of concern on his face for his former classmate.

     

    As soon as Dylan walks out of the store, he takes the bottle from the paper bag, opens it, and takes a large sip.  After he's finished, a look of relief comes over his face.  He pauses, then takes a second sip of the bourbon, then a third.  Dylan puts the cap back on the bottle, places the bottle back into the paper bag, and heads off walking down the street.

     

     

    Southfork....

     Southfork is wet from a heavy downpour of rain, and rumbles of thunder can be heard in the distant sky late that afternoon when Ashley's car drives up to the ranch and stops in the parking area in rear of the house.  Ashley gets out of the car and walks up to the house.  Bobby and Ann are in the living room, and Bobby is talking to Sue Ellen on the phone when the doorbell rings.  Ann walks into the foyer and goes to the front door, opening it.  "Ashley," she says, surprised to see the girl.  "Sweety, come in."

     

    "Thanks, Ann,"  Ashley says, walking in.   "I was just wondering........would it be okay if I spent the night here?"

     

    Ann smiles.  "Of course,"  she replies as Bobby comes into the foyer.  

     

    "Hello, Ashley,"  he says.

     

    "Hi, Uncle Bobby."

     

    "Ashley aske if she could spend the night, and I told her she could,"  says Ann.

     

    "Well of course,"  Bobby says.  "Honey, you know you're welcome here anytime."

     

    "Thank you, guys.  With Clay gone to New Mexico with Justin and John Ross, and Jimmy and my Mom in Florida, I really didn't wanna be alone.  I'm so worried about Alex, and, as crazy as this may sound, I'm worried about Shawn, too.  I know he's done some terrible things, but, he and I did date for a long time and I cared a lot for him."

     

    "I know,"  Ann says, gently touching the girl's face.  

     

    "Ashley, has there been any word on Dylan?"  Bobby asks.

     

    Ashley struggles to hold back her tears.  "No, Uncle Bobby, I'm afraid not."

     

    Ann smiles.  "Come on, let's get you settled.  You can stay in Lucy's old room."

     

    "Okay.  I really appreciate this,"  Ashley says, following Ann out of the room.  

    Southfork....later....

     

    Southfork is being pounded by another heavy downpour of rain as darkness falls over the ranch that evening.  Thunder is rumbling overhead and there were occasional flashes of lightening illuminating the dark evening sky. Krystina is standing on the front balcony of the mansion watching the rain and the lightening in the distance.  

     

    Ashley walks onto the balcony.  "Oh, Krystina, I'm sorry, I didn't know anyone was out here."

     

    "It's okay, come on out.  I come out here a lot whenever it rains.  I love the sound and sight of the rain, and the lightening."

     

    "I don't much like lightening, but I do love the rain,"  says Ashley.  "It's very soothing."

     

    Krystina looks at the girl.  "Ashley, are you alright?"

     

    "No, not really."

     

    "You wanna talk about it?"  Krystina asks.  

     

    "Thanks but, you must have enough on your mind worrying about Alex and John Ross without being burdened with my problems."

     

    "Sometimes, focusing on someone else's problems help take your mind off your own.  So come on, tell me what's bothering you."

     

    "I don't suppose you've heard that Dylan and I have.......well, it's over between us, and now no one knows where Dylan is."

     

    "No, with everything that's been going on here, I haven't heard anything.  Ashley, I'm very sorry.  What happened?"

     

    Ashley sighs.  "It's a long story, but, the short version is that I did something incredibly stupid.  Something Dylan will never forgive me for."

     

    "It must be something really bad."

     

    "It is,"  Ashley says.  "Krystina, I really need to talk to someone.  I don't have my Mom here, and.......

     

    "Say no more.  Ashley, you can always come to me whenever you have a problem.  And if you need to talk about anything, I'm here.  I might even be able to help, or at least offer some advice."

     

    "No one can help me with this,"  Ashley says.  "Krystina, I hurt Dylan so much, and that's why he left Ray and Donna's.  I know he'll never forgive me, and I'll never forgive myself if anything happens o him, or, if he's drinking again." 

     

    "Honey, what happened?"  Krystina asks.  

     

    Ashley begins to cry.  "I cheated on him.  I slept with another man.  But it wasn't just any other man.  You're probably gonna find out about this eventually anyway, and I know that everyone's gonna hate me when they do."

     

    "Ashley I could never hate you, and I would never judge you.  We all make mistakes and do things we regret."

     

    "Well, my mistake was a real doozy.  Krystina, the other man I slept with........was Conner."

     

    "Conner?"  Krystina asks, stunned.  "Oh, wow."

     

    "Dylan found us together, and he was so angry.  He grabbed Conner and he started punching him.  I honestly thought he was gonna kill him.  And then, he left."

     

    "Ashley, let me ask you something.  This thing with Conner........was it just about sex?  Did it happen in a weak moment of passion?  Or do you have deeper feelings for him?"

     

    Ashley looks at her through her tears.  "Conner and I fell in love.  We didn't mean for it to happen, it just did.  God, I should have fought my attraction to Conner.  We both should've known how vulnerable Dylan is.  Krystina, if anything happens to him, I don't think I'll be able to live with myself."

     

    "Shhhh, it's okay, sweety,"  Krystina says, embracing her.  "Everything will be okay."

    Grant County, New Mexico Sheriff's Department....

     "Sheriff, it's been two days,"  Charlie says to Grant County, New Mexico Sheriff Frank Gomez.  "Another night has come, and you're still no closer to finding my son than you were when he and Shawn Smith disappeared into that forest.  You don't even know if they're still in there."

     

    "Mrs. Walton, we have men patroling the perimeters of the forest,"  Sheriff Gomez tells her.  "We're also putting our choppers in the air first thing tomorrow morning.  Now, Mrs. Walton, you haven't answered MY question.......just where is Mr. Ewing and those two young men who came here with you?"

     

    "They're........around,"  Charlie replies.

     

    "Around?"  Sheriff Gomez asks.  "They went out there searching for your son themselves, didn't they?"

     

    "Well, you and your men certainly haven't made any progress in finding Alex.  Sheriff, my son is out there somewhere in that huge forest with a psychopath.  What did you expect John Ross to do, just sit around here and wait?"

     

    "That's exactly what I expect you folks to do.  Mrs. Walton, as you said, Shawn Smith is a psychopath.  He's already killed one person and he's wanted for raping a woman back in Dallas.  Mr. Ewing and those other two men could be walking right into mortal danger.  As for your son, I really don't think Smith will hurt him.  He needs your son as a hostage.  And what I DON'T need is a bunch of Texas cowboys playing hero in my neck of the woods.  When your son's father and the other two come back, I might just charge them with interfering with an investigation."  Sheriff Gomez walks away, leaving Charlie angry and even more worried about Alex than ever.

    The woods....

     

    Clay is still trying to get enough reception on his cell phone in the woods to call for help.  "Damn,"  he says, frustrated.  "I still can't get any signal at all on this stupid phone.  All the technology we have now......they can control a rover on Mars from Earth, but they can't invent a damned cell phone that you can get a signal on everywhere.  John Ross, how do you feel?"

    "Shoulder hurts like hell,"  replies John Ross.  

     

    "Are you cold?"  Clay asks.

     

    "No, I'm fine.  Clay, how long's it been?  How long's it been since Justin took off after Smith and Alex?"

     

    Clay looks at his cell phone.  "It's been  long time.  Almost four hours."

     

    With great difficulty due to his shoulder injury, John Ross sits up, and winces in pain.  

     

    "John Ross, what are you doing?"  Clay asks.  "Don't try to sit up."

     

    "I'm goin' after Alex."

     

    "John Ross, are you nuts?  You've been shot.  You've lost a lot of blood.  There's no way you can go out there and look for them.  Besides being in pain and weak as a puppy, you'd never be able to find them in the dark, and they've got almost four hours head start on us."

     

    John Ross picks up his top shirt and slips it on, trying his best to hide the fact that he is in agonizing pain from Clay.  

     

    "John Ross, I can't let you go," says Clay.

     

    "And just what the hell are we supposed to do, Clay?"  John Ross asks, his voice weak.  "Just sit here and wait to starve to death?  We're lost out here in these woods.  Neither one of us can get a signal on our phones, and our batteries are about to die.  Nobody'd find us here for a long time.  Not until it's way too late.  Now if we move up that creek a ways, in the direction Smith took Alex, we might be able to get enough of a signal on one of our phones to call that sheriff for help before our batteries completely die.  My son and my little brother are out there somewhere in these woods, and I'm gonna find 'em or die tryin'...."  John Ross pauses a second and looks at Clay.  ...."Even if I have to do it alone."

     

    Clay sighs.  "You won't have to do it alone.  We'd better get going."  Clay walks over, takes John Ross's hand and helps him to his feet.  Clay picks up the two backpacks in one hand, and a flashlight in the other hand.  John Ross also takes a flashlight, and the two begin their trek through the woods in search of Alex, Justin......and Shawn.

    Meanwhile....

     "Okay, let's stop here,"  Shawn tells Alex as they walk into a particularly eerie part of the forest.  "Looks like a good place to rest for a while."

     

    "We don't even know where the hell we are,"  says Alex.  "We're probably gonna die out here in this damned forest."

     

    "Stop your whining,"  Shawn says, taking a seat on the ground.  "Sit down."

     

    Alex looks down at him angrily, using all his will power to restrain himself from attacking Shawn right now, but Alex knows that if he does, Alex will shoot and kill him.  

     

    "The hell are you lookin' at?"  Shawn asks.

     

    "The sorriest piece of scum I've ever seen in my life,"  Alex replies.  

     

    "Alex, am I to understand that you aren't enjoying our little vacation together?"  Shawn sarcastically asks.  

     

    Alex continues to glare at him with hatred in his eyes.  "I promise you.........before this is all over, I'm going to kill you.  I'll kill you for what you did to Pamela, for what you've done to me, and especially for what you did to John Ross."

    "You really think you have it in you to kill me?"  Shawn asks.  "To take a human life, even mine?"

     

    "Damn right, I do,"  Alex says.  

     

    "I guess we'll eventually find out, won't we?  I said once that, one of us was gonna end up killing the other sooner or later.  That's probably how this is all gonna end.  Now shut up, sit down and rest.  And, don't worry......I don't plan on going to sleep.  I'm gonna stay awake right here and watch you."

     

    "You've been awake for days," Alex says.  "How long do you think you're gonna be able hold out like that?"

     

    "Just don't you worry about me," Shaw says.  "Shut up and go to sleep or somethin'."


     

    "Think I'll just stay awake with you,"  Alex says.  "Why don't we just play a little game?  A game called 'let's see who falls asleep first.'"

     

    Shawn stands to his feet and walks over to Alex, the gun in his right hand.  "Either you take your ass to sleep.......or I'll put you to sleep.  YOUR choice, bro."

     

    Alex looks at him for a moment, then takes a seat on the ground, resting his back against a tree. 

     

    As Shawn is about to return to his own spot a few feet away, they hear a rustling sound in the woods, and the sound of the crack of a twig breaking, as if someone stepped on it.  Believing that someone was in the woods, Shawn grabs Alex by the shirt collar and pulls him to his feet.  He puts his arm around Alex's neck from behind and holds the gun directly to his temple.  "Alright, who's there?"  Shawn calls out.  "Whoever's out there better come out and show yourself, or I'll blow his head off."  Several seconds of silence follows as Shawn looks around in every direction into the woods.  "I mean it.  If anyone is out there and you don't show yourself, he's DEAD!"

     

    "Okay, OKAY!  Don't shoot!"  Justin says from behind a tree at the edge of the woods.  

     

    "JUSTIN, IS THAT YOU?"  Shawn asks.  "IF YOU VALUE YOUR NEPHEW'S LIFE, GET OUT HERE!  COME OUT AND JOIN THE PARTY!  AND I WARN YOU....TOSS OUT YOUR WEAPON AND COME OUT WITH YOUR HANDS UP!"

     

    Justin takes his gun from his pocket, and tossed it out into the clearing, the weapon landing near Alex's feet.  Then Justin steps out of the woods, his hands raised in the air.  "Don't shoot.  Just let him go."

     

    "Well, well," Shawn says.  "Another guest at our little party here.  Took you long enough to catch up to us."

     

     

    "Smith, let Alex go,"  says Justin.  

     

    "Now where's the fun in that?" Shawn asks with a smile.  

     

    "You want a hostage, then take me," Justin says.  "Take me and let him go."

     

    Shawn laughs.  "Well, now, isn't that noble of you?  Ya hear that, Alex?  Your brave Uncle Justin is willing to take your place as my hostage.  But, I have an even better idea.  How about I keep BOTH of you?  I think the three of us can have some real fun together.  Do a little male bonding."

     

    "Alex, are you alright?"  Justin asks.

     

    "I'm fine.  Justin, what about John Ross?  Is he......."

     

    "John Ross was hit in the shoulder.  I don't know how bad.  He asked me to come after you, so I left Clay with him."

     

    "Clay?"  Shawn asks.  "You mean my old pal Clay Beaumont is here, too?  How about that, Alex? Looks like almost the whole family came to your rescue.  Too bad John Ross and Clay didn't make it to our little male bonding session here.  But that's okay.  The three of us are gonna have fun anyway, right guys?  Get over there!"  Shawn shoves Alex forward, and Justin catches him before he falls to the ground.  Shawn laughs again.  "The two of you make yourselves comfortable."

     

    Justin looks at Shawn with hate.  "You're never gonna get out of this, Smith,"  he says.  "If the law doesn't get you, I swear, I will.  You raped my wife.  Cost us the life of our unborn child.  If it's the last thing I ever do, I'm gonna kill you for what you did to Pamela."

     

    Shawn smiles.  "You're gonna kill ME?  But I'm the one with the gun,"  he says, pointing the revolver at Justin.  "I could blow your brains out right now.  I should, and save myself a lot of trouble.  Alex, move away from him."

     

    "What?"  Alex asks.

     

    "Get away from him, unless you want your face splattered with his blood."

     

    "Shawn, stop,"  says Alex.  

     

    "I said get the hell away from him."

     

    "No.  I won't,"  Alex says, stepping in front of Justin.  "You'll have to kill both of us."

     

    "If that's the way it has to be,"  Shawn says, pointing the gun at both.

     

    "No,"  Justin says.  "Alex, get away."

     

    "I won't."

     

    "Alex, damn it, I said get away,"  Justin says, pushing Alex away from him.  His heart pounding with terror, and his body shaking, Justin stares directly into Shawn's eyes as Shawn continues to point the gun at Justin's head.  

     

    Shawn smiles sadistically.  "I'll give you a few seconds to say your prayers, Justin.  And if I were you, I wouldn't waste that time."

     

    "SHAWN, STOP IT!  YOU'RE CRAZY, DUDE!"  Alex says.  

     

    "He threatened my life, Alex.  You heard him.  By killing him, I'm simply acting in self defense."

     

    "SHAWN, PLEASE, YOUR FIGHT ISN'T WITH JUSTIN, IT'S WITH ME!"

     

    "He shouldn't have intruded on our time together, then."  Shawn cocks the revolver.

     A terrified Justin falls backward to the ground, and backs up against a large rock as Shawn stands over him with the revolver pointed down at his face, smiling sadistically as if he is enjoying every minute of the torment he is imposing on his captives.  His finger on the trigger, Justin prepares himself to die.  Shawn pulls the trigger, but the gun doesn't fire.  Before Justin can breathe a sigh of relief, Shawn suddenly kicks him on the side of the head, knocking him facedown on the ground.  

     

    Shawn laughs.  "I could've killed you so easily just then.  And I probably will, eventually.  But it'll be when you're not expecting it."

     

    "You sick son of a bitch," Justin says.  "I swear to God, I'm gonna......"

     

    "Gonna what, Justin?"  Shawn asks.  "I just showed you which one of us has all the power here.  You need another demonstration?"  Shawn walks over and takes a seat on a rock.

     

    Alex rushes over to Justin and helps him up.  "You really enjoy torturing people, don't you?"  Alex asks.

     

    "Damn right, especially Ewings,"  Shawn replies.  "You damned Ewings destroyed my life.  I had everything.........EVERYTHING.........until you people interfered in my life.  You took everything from me, and now this is just payback."  Shawn then notices Justin's backpack in the edge of the woods.  "Justin, is that your backpack over there?"

     

    Justin remains silent.

     

    Shawn gets up and walks over to him.  "I asked if that were your backpack, and I expect an answer."

     

    "Yeah, it's mine."

     

    "Alex, go grab it and bring it here........SLOWLY."  

     

    Alex walks into the woods a slight ways, picks up the backpack, and brings it over to where Justin and Shawn are.  

     

    "Now open it,"  Shawn orders.  "I wanna see what's inside, but do it slowly, and don't try anything stupid."

     

    Alex unzips the backpack, and takes out the contents........a flashlight, some extra batteries, some ammunition, and some rope.  

     

    Shawn smiles.  "Justin, what's the rope for?  Planning on capturing anyone and tying them up?   Well, looks like you're the one who's gonna be tied up.  Alex, I want you to take that rope, and tie your uncle's hands and feet.  And make it tight.  Wouldn't want him getting loose, now would we?"

     

    Alex does as Shawn instructed and takes the rope and ties Justin's hands behind his back, then ties his ankles with a second piece of rope.  

     

    "Take that scarf from around your neck and stuff it in his mouth,"  Shawn says.  

     

    "What?  This thing is filthy."

     

    "So?  Just DO it."

     

    Again, Alex obeys his orders and removes the scarf.  "I'm sorry, Justin."

     

    "It's okay, just do what he says,"  Justin tells him.

     

    Reluctantly, Alex stuffs the soiled scarf into Justin's mouth, then looks at Shawn, who smiles sadistically at him.

     

    "Now, sit down against that tree over there and get some sleep,"  Shawn says.  "I'll stand watch and make sure no wild animals eat you guys."

     

    Shawn again looks angrily at his former friend, and walks over to a tree not far from Justin.  He sits on the ground, resting his back against the tree.  Alex doesn't want to fall asleep, but he is absolutely exhausted, as well as being weak from hunger.  He struggles to stay awake, fearful of what Shawn might do if he falls asleep.  But despite his best efforts, Alex falls asleep in less than a minute after sitting down against the tree.

    The next morning....

    The next morning, by 8 a.m., the hot sun is already beating down on New Mexico.  Alex is sleeping soundly, his head resting against the base of a tree, as Shawn sits across from him, watching him closely.  A few feet away, Justin remains tied up next to another tree, and he, too, is asleep.  Alex slowly begins to awaken.  He opens his eyes slowly and the first thing he sees is Shawn staring at him.  Startled, Alex quickly sits up.

     

    "What the hell are you staring at?"  Alex asks.

    "I was just looking at you and thinking,"  Shawn replies.

     

    "Thinking what?"

     

    "Remembering, really.  Remembering what things use to be like between us.  And I was thinking how different things could be between us right now."

     

    "Oh, you mean if you weren't dragging me through this God-forsaken forest at gunpoint with the intention of killing me?"  Alex asks.  He looks over at his sleeping uncle.  "Justin...."

     

    "He's fine.  Just sleeping,"  Shawn says.  "Been asleep for a while.  You didn't think I did anything to him, did you?"

     

    "Wouldn't put it past you."

     

    "How'd we get here?"  Shawn asks.  How the hell did the two of us get to the point of hating each other so much?  You asked me that same question the other day, remember?" Shawn pauses for a couple of seconds before continuing.  "I loved you, Alex.  I loved you like a brother.  The brother I always wished I had.  I offered you the world.  When I soared to the top after I became the youngest CEO in Westar's history, I wanted to take you with me.  God, when I think of all you and I could have accomplished together.  The POWER we could've wielded.  Two young bucks turning Dallas on its ear.  J.R. Ewing's grandson and Jeremy Wendell's grandson, the most powerful alliance Dallas had ever seen.  But you didn't want any part of that."  Shawn pauses, a tear falling down his cheek.  "When I offered you part of the kingdom I was gonna rule, you threw it back in my face."

     

    "I didn't want any part of what you were offering to me, Shawn.  You wanted to use Westar to go after Ewing Oil.  To go after and destroy MY family and my family's company for your grandfather.  You let Wendell, and all that money and power twist you."

     

    "If only you'd joined me, Alex, we could've done so much together.  We wouldn't be out here right now in these woods, waiting to die or be killed.  We could've had a great life together......"

     

    "A life together?"  Alex asks, confused by Shawn's words.  "What the hell are you even talking about?"

     

    "I........nothing,"  Shawn says, wiping his tears.  "It's hot.  We should get out of here.  Find some water.  Wake him up."  

     

    Alex walks over to Justin, touches his shoulder, and slightly shakes him.  Justin wakes up and opens is eyes, looking up at Alex.  Alex removes the scarf that had been in Justin's mouth all night.  "Are you okay?"  Alex asks.

     

    "Yeah, are you?"

     

    "Fine."

     

    "Untie him and let's get moving,"  Shawn says.  

     

    Alex unties Justin's hands, then Justin reaches down and unties his own feet.  Alex helps him up. 

     

    Shawn looks at Justin.  "Okay, let's move out.  We've got a long and busy day ahead of us."

     

    "Where exactly are we goin'?"  Justin asks.

     

    "You'll know when we get there."

     

    "How long's it been since you've slept, Smith?  Or eaten?"

     

    "Well, well, Justin, are you actually showing some concern for me?  I'm touched,"  Shawn says.

     

    "It's gotta be a few days at least since you've eaten or slept.  How much longer do you think you're gonna be able to go on like this?"

     

    "For as long as I need to,"  Shawn says.  "Yeah it's been a few days since I've slept or eaten anything other than  a handful of berries.  And I can't even remember the last time I had a shower.  All those creature comforts of back home, I don't have now because of you Ewings.  I know you're hoping I'll fall asleep, or that I'll get so exhausted that I collapse.  Well, you can forget that, Justin.  I'm running on pure adrenaline right now, so I'm good bro.  Now let's move out."  Shawn picks up his gun and holds it on Justin and Alex as they begin walking ahead of him into the woods.  "Hold it,"  Shawn says, hearing something that sounds like a helicopter approaching.  "Into that brush!"  Shawn orders.  "GO!"  

     

    Justin and Alex quickly dash for some thick brush, followed by Shawn.  The three hide behind the 

    brush.  A helicopter flies over directly above them.  

     

    "Damn,"  Shawn says.  "That was a police helicopter, which means they're searching these woods.  Come on, we have to go.  NOW!  And keep low."

     

    The tree scramble out of the brush, and begin making their way on through the woods.  As they do, they hear the faint sound of a voice calling out in the distance.  

     

    "Hold up,"  Shawn says, motioning Alex and Justin to stop.  Shawn listens for the sound again.  

     

    "ALEX!  JUSTIN!"  John Ross's voice calls from a distance deep within the woods, from behind them. "ALEX!"

     

    "That's my Dad's voice,"  Alex says.  "Thank God, he's alive."

     

    "He won't be for long if he catches up to us.  Come on, let's get moving!  FAST!"  Using his left hand, Shawn pushes Alex and Justin on ahead of them, and with the threat of the gun, forces them to walk at a faster pace ahead of him through the woods.  

     

    "ALEX!  JUSTIN!"  John Ross's voice calls again, sounding as if he is getting closer to them.

     

    "ALEX!  JUSTIN!!"  Clay's voice calls.

     

    "Go on, MOVE!"  Shawn orders.  "Faster!"

     

    Alex and Justin begin moving as fast as they can, but neither they nor Shawn are able to move too fast or run due to the lack of food and sleep.  After a few minutes they come to what looks like a clearing, or an end to the woods.  

     

    "Go on!"  Shawn orders.   

     

    They come to the clearing and hurry their way out of the woods.  Alex and Justin stop short when they see what's in front of them.  Shawn quickly comes out of the woods behind them.

     

    "MOVE!  Why the hell did you stop?"  Shawn angrily asks.

     

    "Because we're not going any further,"  Alex replies.  

     

    "What?"  Shawn looks straight ahead and sees that just beyond the clearing is a drop off into a deep canyon.   "No, NO.  This isn't happening.  Come on.  Over that way, MOVE!"  Shawn orders Alex and Justin to head in the direction of a creek that runs through the woods and to a waterfall that drops off the cliff.  The hot sun overhead, combined with his lack of sleep and food is causing Shawn to become slightly disoriented.   

     

    "There's no way outa here, Smith,"  Justin says.  

     

    "Just shut up and keep going!"  Shawn orders.  

     

    Justin looks behind him, then trips and falls, forcing Shawn and Alex to stop.  

     

    "Justin, get up!"  Shawn says.  "Hurry, on your feet!"

     

    "I couldn't help it,"  Justin says.  "I think my ankle is sprained.  I can't walk on it."

     

    "You can, and you WILL!"  Shawn angrily says.  "Alex, help him to his feet."

     

    Alex goes over to Justin.  "Shawn, he's hurt."

     

    "He's gonna be dead if he doesn't get on his feet and get moving!"

     

    "Justin, come on, I'll help you."  Alex puts Justin's arm around his neck and helps him up.  

     

    "Come on,"  Shawn says. 

     

    As the three are about to start moving again, the ear-splitting sound of a gunshot rings out right behind them.  "HOLD IT, SMITH!"  John Ross says, pointing his revolver right at Shawn.  "NOW YOU TURN AROUND REAL SLOW, AND DROP YOUR GUN.  AND IF YOU TRY THAT BS ON ME YOU TRIED EARLIER, I'LL BLAST YOUR SOUL TO HELL IN A HEARTBEAT!"

     

    "Looks like this is the end of the line for you, Smith,"  Justin says.  "Better do what he says."

     

    Shawn hesitates for a few seconds, then he slowly turns around, his hands raised in the air.  But, in the blink of an eye, he suddenly grabs Alex and pulls him over to him.  As Justin tries to rush him, Shawn fires a shot, the bullet grazing Justin's leg, knocking him off his feet.  "Guess you were faking that sprained ankle, huh?"  Shawn asks.

     

    "SMITH, LET HIM GO!"  John Ross says, he and Clay moving closer to them.  

     

    "DON'T COME ANY CLOSER, JOHN ROSS, OR I SWEAR I'LL BLOW YOUR PRECIOUS LITTLE BOY'S HEAD OFF!"  Shawn yells.

     

    "Smith, this is the end for you," John Ross says.  "You're cornered.  The cops are on their way, and you got nowhere else to run.  Let my boy go."

     

    "Not a chance, John Ross!"  Shawn says.  "If I die, Alex goes with me.  We can be roommates in hell."

     

    "Shawn, let him go!"  Clay says.  "You've got enough blood on your hands."

     

    "Shawn, listen to me,"  John Ross says.  "I'll help you.  I promise, I'll do everything I can to make sure you get the minimum sentence."

     

    "Minimum sentence?  There IS no minimum sentence for rape and murder, John Ross!  Nice try, though."

     

    "Shawn, why?"  John Ross asks, slowly moving closer to them.  "Why did you do this?  We took you in.  Alex loved you like a brother.  I treated you like another son.  We all cared for you.  Ann, Uncle Bobby, ALL of us.  What the hell happened to turn you into THIS?"

     

    "Shawn, he's right,"  Alex says, tears running down his face, Shawn's arm around his throat, partially cutting off his air supply.  "This......this isn't you.  I know you better than just about anybody.  The Shawn I knew never would've done the things you've done.  And I know that person is still inside you somewhere.  Shawn, please, just give yourself up, or there's only one way this is gonna end, with you, or both of us dead."

     

    "I've got nothing left to lose.  All I got's life in a prison cell waiting for me, or the death penalty."

     

    "But what about Alex?"  John Ross asks.  "He's never done a damned thing to you.  You wanna blame someone for the way your life turned out, then blame me.  You wanna kill someone, then kill me.  But please........if there is any ounce of humanity left in you, let my son go.  He never did anything to you but love you, and be your friend."

     

    Shawn begins to cry.  "SHUT UP, JUST SHUT UP!!!"

     

    As John Ross and Alex are distracting Shawn by talking to him, Justin slowly begins to crawl, hoping to get close enough to help Alex and maybe disarm Shawn.  But Shawn sees him.  He points the gun at Justin.  

     

     

    Alex grabs Shawn's arm with the gun, the gun fires, and narrowly misses Justin, who quickly dodges out of the way.  Alex and Shawn wrestle for the gun as John Ross and Clay run toward them.  Shawn is getting the better of Alex, as he has Alex down.  A few seconds later, the loud sound of a gunshot rings out........the gun has gone off, blood splatters on Alex's face, and either Alex or Shawn has been shot. 

     

    John Ross and Clay stop short a few feet from them.  "NOOOOOO!!!!!!!"  John Ross yells out, terrified that Alex has been shot.  They watch as Shawn staggers away from Alex.

     

     

    Alex watches as Shawn takes a couple of steps backward, away from him.  He is horrified to see a large gunshot wound in Shawn's upper abdomen, gushing blood.  "SHAWN!!"  Alex yells.

     

     

     

    Shawn looks down at his wound, and touches it with his hand, which becomes covered in blood.  Then he looks up at Alex.  A tear falls down Shawn's face.  Shawn is right at the edge of the cliff that drops off into the canyon.  He takes a step backward, and trips over a log on the ground.  He loses his footing.  

     

    "SHAAAWWWN!!!!!"  Alex yells as Shawn trips and falls backward over the side of the cliff.  Alex 

    rushes toward him and manages to grab Shawn's arm just as Shawn is about to fall to a certain death into the canyon below.  "Shawn, hold on, I got you,"  Alex tells him as he struggles to pull him up.

     

    "Alex,"  Shawn cries.  

     

    "It's okay, I'm not gonna let you fall,"  Alex says.  

     

    John Ross, Clay, and Justin rush to the edge of the cliff.  John Ross grabs onto Alex's waist.  "I got you, Alex."

     

    "Help me!"  Alex pleads, Shawn's sweaty arm quickly slipping from his grip.  "Help me pull him up.  He's slipping."

     

    "Come on, PULL!"  John Ross says, holding on to Alex while Clay holds John Ross by the waist.  Justin stands to the side, watching, looking at Shawn, and all he can see is the man who raped his wife and cost the life of his unborn child.

     

    Hanging onto Alex's arm by one hand, Shawn looks up at him, his arm steadily slipping from Alex's grip due to the sweat on both their arms.  "Alex........let me go,"  Shawn says.

     

    "No.  I'm gonna get you up."

     

    "It's over man.  I've got nothing to go back for, and I may pull you over with me.  Let me go."

     

    "I won't, Shawn."

     

    A tear falls down Shawn's face as he looks into Alex's eyes.  "We did have some good times, didn't we?  For what it's worth.......I'm sorry, for everything."

     

    "Shawn....."

    "Alex, we both always knew it would end this way, with one of us dying and the other living,"  Shawn says.  "Despite everything, I always loved you, man."

     

     

    Alex watches helplessly in horror as Shawn's hand slips out of his grip, and Shawn falls.  "NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!"  Alex screams as he, John Ross, Justin, and Clay watch Shawn fall down the canyon and into the river below!!

    END OF EPISODE 233....

    Write a comment

    Comments: 163
    • #1

      Parker Bena (Wednesday, 24 February 2021 23:35)

      Well done! Shawn "Scumbag" Smith got what he deserved in the end. Kudos to John Ross, Justin and Clay for banding together as a family. Kudos also to Christopher for telling Courtney's cheatin' ass to hit bricks. No matter how hard Courtney tries to justify it, Christopher DID NOT cheat with Lucia. I don't care if Charlie IS Alex's mother. I don't want her turning into Jenna, Jr. and destroying John Ross and Krystina's marriage the way her mother tried to break up Bobby and Ann. One calculating, manipulative bitch named Wade is enough. We don't need another. Charlie needs to just haul her ass back to New York and stay there.

    • #2

      Parker Bena (Wednesday, 24 February 2021 23:38)

      If Charlie tries to destroy John Ross and Krystina's marriage, she WILL.....and I DO mean.....WILL.....fail!

    • #3

      Parker Bena (Wednesday, 24 February 2021 23:40)

      I just hope Shawn doesn't turn into another nine lived psycho like Brian Manning.

    • #4

      Trevor Campbell (Thursday, 25 February 2021 00:00)

      wow I don't even know what to say, that was some wild stuff. Now the question is will they find shawn's body? because if not this could turn out like brian manning from a couple years ago

    • #5

      Kathy Eltzroth (Thursday, 25 February 2021)

      Fantastic episode John. Just hope you don't let Shawn servive his fall. Hope someone finds Dylan soon to help him. Can't wait for the next episode.

    • #6

      Parker Bena (Thursday, 25 February 2021 00:07)

      @Trevor Campbell WOW! Wish I'd said that. :) Seriously. That's the first thing I was thinking when I saw Shawn plunging into the canyon.

    • #7

      Loretta (Thursday, 25 February 2021 00:11)

      Wow.great drama.

      Opening and closing credits were good too.

    • #8

      Parker Bena (Thursday, 25 February 2021 00:15)

      Krystina is Blake Carrington's daughter. That makes her a fighter. If Charlie gets in her way, the gloves will be off. Krystina WILL fight and she will fight HARD!

    • #9

      Trevor Campbell (Thursday, 25 February 2021 00:23)

      this has definitely got to bring john ross and clay together now

    • #10

      Trevor Campbell (Thursday, 25 February 2021 00:29)

      The ewings need to go after jeremy wendell next and take him down for good since he was partially responsible for shaping shawn into what he became. Wendell, brad barnes, and adam carrington all need to be taken down

    • #11

      Parker Bena (Thursday, 25 February 2021 00:35)

      @Trevor Campbell I still like the idea of some Iranian goons finding Adam and beating the crap out of him. Maybe some of them can beat the crap out of Brad Barnes too.

    • #12

      Brian (Thursday, 25 February 2021 01:00)

      Wow this all was incredible as was the credits

    • #13

      Andrew Hass (Thursday, 25 February 2021 03:43)

      This was a exciting chapter.As for Shawn, in the end i think he sort of redeemed himself because he knew he was going to die one way or another and he didn't want take Alex with him.I'm not saying Shawn's actions should be excused or forgiven but a lot of people should be held responsible for the way Shawn turned out.For example i think Jeremy Wendell used Shawn to try to become like him and yes Shawn became power hungry but would he have if Wendell wasn't trying to control him?

    • #14

      Andrew Hass (Thursday, 25 February 2021 03:55)

      #ParkerBena Regarding Christopher and Courtney, i think for now they need to be apart because they're just hurting each other right now.Plus maybe been apart could be a good thing because it could give Courtney and Christopher to figure out their feelings for Joseph and Lucia respectively.As for Joseph, Christopher made some good points about him but it's not Joseph's fault that he didn't know he had a son until recently.Plus if Christopher and Courtney get back together Joseph will always be a part of their lives since he's Jacob's biological father and that's something Christopher will just have to deal with that.Also Christopher may not have physically cheat with Lucia but he may have emotionally cheated and sometimes emotionally cheating is worse than physically cheating.As for Charlie, i don't think she's romantically interested in John Ross and is just turning to John Ross because he's Alex's father and that's a bond no one else can share but them.As for Alex, i'm wondering if this whole situation with Shawn changes him because he's seen first hand what trying to get power and trying to become the top dog sort to speak did to Shawn.

    • #15

      Trevor Campbell (Thursday, 25 February 2021 04:43)

      Connor is an absolute prick, what he said to Jasmine only further validates that she was right in what she did. Doesn't even seem to regret what he did at all

    • #16

      Andrew Hass (Thursday, 25 February 2021 05:29)

      @TrevorCampbell I'm not condoning what Connor did because him having sex with and falling in love with his boyfriend's girlfriend is wrong but Jasmine isn't exactly innocent because she did set up Dylan to catch Connor and Ashley together.So if you have a problem with Connor not feeling regret for what he did then shouldn't you also have a problem with Jasmine if she doesn't feel regret for her actions?As for Ashley, she came back to Dallas, she been involved with Shawn, Cole, Dylan and now Connor.So i'm wondering if one of the reasons she can't be with one man is because deep down a part of her is still in love with Alex.Yes i know Ashley and Alex are cousins but did Ashley ever really deal with her feelings for Alex?

    • #17

      Parker Bena (Thursday, 25 February 2021 08:14)

      @Andrew Haas Yes she did deal with her feelings for Alex. They found they were cousins and they ended their romantic relationship by mutual agreement. Now. If we can just get about Iranian thugs to find Adam Carrington and beat the crap out of him, that would be fitting conclusion to THAT story. I still can't believe that Adam Carrington is committing treason against his country. Wait a minute! Yes I can. Blake, the ultra-Patriot, would be rolling over in his grave. Never mind Charlie turning into Jenna, Jr. I think Jasmine is a good candidate for that roll.

    • #18

      Andrew Hass (Thursday, 25 February 2021 08:56)

      @ParkerBena Yes i know that Alex and Ashley ended their romantic relationship when they found out they were cousins but does that mean their feelings went away?Plus in episode 169 The Revelation when Ashley returned to Dallas when Ashley found out that Alex had a girlfriend she had a look of sadness and heartbreak on her face.So to me at least that sounded like she still had feelings for Alex.As for Charlie, i don't think she would deliberately cause problems between John Ross and Krystina even if she had romantic feelings for John Ross which i don't think she does.Plus there's other men in Dallas that Charlie could get together with besides John Ross and who might be single.However i could see Krystina been jealous of Charlie and not because Charlie might be interested in John Ross but because she and John Ross share a connection because they're Alex's parents and as much as she loves Alex Krystina knows she's not Alex's mother.On the other hand i could see Charlie been jealous of Krystina because krystina has been around Alex more the last few years and Alex might be confiding things in her that he hasn't told Charlie.So if a rivalry does develop between Krystina and Charlie it could be more about Alex than about John Ross.

    • #19

      Parker Bena (Thursday, 25 February 2021 09:28)

      I liked Courtney, but then she screwed up and screwed Joseph. Yeah. I feel bad for Jacob, but Courtney needs to just get and stay out! First, Christopher was betrayed by Elena, but THIS is much worse.

    • #20

      Andrew Hass (Thursday, 25 February 2021 09:46)

      @ParkerBena I agree that Courtney did a bad thing by sleeping with Joseph while still married to Christopher.Now it might be different if she and Christopher were separated because then she could claim she was free to sleep with Joseph,However i think Courtney could be redeemed because her cheating on Christopher isn't irredeemable IMO.I also think Courtney needs space from both Christopher and Joseph to figure out her feelings and i think she also needs a job to support herself and Jacob and not rely on anyone to do it for her.As for what kind of job Courtney could get, since i think she was Christopher's assistant before they got together maybe she could get hired someone else's assistant like Pamela's assistant at Westar and that could keep her in the orbit of the Ewing family but in a different way.

    • #21

      Parker Bena (Thursday, 25 February 2021 12:19)

      @Andrew Haas NO! If she TRULY loves Christopher, then she needs to tell Joseph to hit the road! He can come to see Jacob, BUT only at a time and place designated by BOTH parties and Christopher should a say in it. If not, she can hit the pavement and Christopher can move on with Lucia.

    • #22

      Chris Hawkins (Thursday, 25 February 2021 14:40)

      John,
      What an incredible episode, I can’t wait to find out what happens next, great writing!

    • #23

      Andrew Hass (Thursday, 25 February 2021 14:40)

      @parkerBena I think Courtney and Joseph need to have a custody/visitation agreement where Jacob is concerned even if they don't get together because that way at least Joseph can't just show up to see Jacob whenever he wants because the last thing anyone may want is a court battle.As for Christopher and Courtney, i hope they sit down together with Jacob and explain to him why they might be separating and why Courtney is taking Jacob off Southfork and make it clear that it's not his fault.Also you said if Courtney truly loves Christopher she needs to tell Joseph to leave her alone except for where Jacob is concerned then maybe Christopher if he truly loves Courtney he needs to tell Lucia he needs to keep his distance from her and that he needs to concentrate on his marriage.Christopher can't ask Courtney not to be around Joseph while he's still hanging around Lucia.Plus maybe Christopher and Courtney should go away alone together and try to reconnect and Jacob could stay with Joseph while they're away and Jacob could even meet his other family members in California.

    • #24

      Andrew Hass (Thursday, 25 February 2021 16:19)

      Regarding Shawn telling Alex that if he had joined him when he made him that offer to join him when he became CEO of Westar they could have had a great life together i'm wondering if maybe Shawn is gay or bisexual and he was in love with Alex but couldn't admit it to himself.As for Shawn, i hope he won't be like Brian Manning where he survives and causes more trouble.However even if Shawn is indeed dead maybe we could still see him in a way because maybe Alex could have hallucinations of Shawn because after eventually that happened it makes sense that Alex could be traumatized.Also i'm wondering if Alex because of what happened realizes life is short and that he doesn't waste a moment and so maybe he decides to marry Bridget sooner rather than later.

    • #25

      Christopher Broton (Thursday, 25 February 2021 18:26)

      Very good! Loved the opening and closing credits! Had a feeling it was going to end this way, but well worth the wait! You keep writing as good as you do! Love it and your writing is to be commended! Looking forward to the next episode!

    • #26

      John Walden (Thursday, 25 February 2021 18:38)

      Thanks, everyone. Shawn was a pretty important character for almost 5 years so I wanted him to go out in a big and dramatic way.

    • #27

      Trevor Campbell (Thursday, 25 February 2021 18:49)

      Shawn possibly having romantic feelings for alex was one hell of a revelation

    • #28

      Trevor Campbell (Thursday, 25 February 2021 18:53)

      @john So I guess that confirms he's dead. I definitely feel really bad for sharon smith, now she has no one left. Really crazy that jeremy wendell oulives all 3 of his grandsons

    • #29

      Parker Bena (Friday, 26 February 2021 00:26)

      @Trevor Campbell And all three of them thought they were invincible. They were WAY off on that one!

    • #30

      Andrew Hass (Friday, 26 February 2021 03:00)

      I'm sad that Shawn is indeed dead because i thought he was an interesting character but at least he went out in a big way.Plus i have a feeling that even though he's dead Shawn might still have an impact because it could be interesting to see how the remaining characters on the show move forward in the aftermath of Shawn's actions and his death.

    • #31

      Andrew Hass (Friday, 26 February 2021 09:26)

      I liked that Donna thought it was best for Connor to move out because i think she knows Dylan has started drinking again and when he's found he'll need a safe place and she may know that Dylan won't come back to her and Ray's house or even call them for fear that Connor will be there or that he will answer the phone.Also i'm wondering if Donna might ask Sue Ellen for advice on how to handle Dylan falling off the wagon since she has been on the other foot in regards to people helping her when she has fallen off the wagon.Also i'm wondering Ray might suggest that Connor work at Southfork or Justin's ranch instead of his ranch at least for now because Dylan moves back in with Ray and Donna he won't see Connor working on the ranch.

    • #32

      Parker Bena (Friday, 26 February 2021 15:37)

      @Andrew Haas I am NOT sad that Shawn is dead. He was a scumbag and he got his just desserts.

    • #33

      Andrew Hass (Friday, 26 February 2021 17:45)

      I agree that Shawn deserved what he got but that doesn't mean people can't appreciate him as a character because even though Shawn did some bad things he did some good things too during his tenure on Dallas.

    • #34

      Verena (Friday, 26 February 2021 18:06)

      Wow, what an explosive ending! Great writing, John. I'm glad Shawn finally got what was coming to him and the Ewing boys took him down. Pamela is a mess and who could blame her after what she has been through. It'll take a long time for her to recover. I enjoyed Afton and Sue Ellen being civil with each other for a change...but it'll never last! LOL I hope Afton will take a more active role as the Barnes family matriarch now: her family really needs guidance.

    • #35

      Ada Vincent (Friday, 26 February 2021 18:45)

      Great writing love the episodes can’t wait for the next episode

    • #36

      Andrew Hass (Friday, 26 February 2021 18:53)

      @Verena I'm also glad that Shawn got what was coming to him but i'm wondering that even though he's dead Shawn will still have an impact because actions may not be easily forgotten.As for Pamela, i also don't blame her for been a mess but i'm worried that since she's still struggling from her rape and miscarriage that she may not be ready to become CEO of Westar and so i could see Jeremy Wendell appointing a temporary CEO and whoever he appoints may not be good for the Ewings.I also liked that Afton and Sue Ellen were civil to each other but i'm also worried that it won't last especially if John Ross goes after Brad because i could see Afton stepping up as the Banres family matriarch and coming to Brad's defense.

    • #37

      Parker Bena (Friday, 26 February 2021 22:59)

      @Andrew Haas If Afton tries to go up against the Ewings, they will chew her up and spit out the chunks.

    • #38

      David Rodriguez (Friday, 26 February 2021 23:48)

      Great episode. Very suspenseful from beginning to end. Will Clay and Jon Ross be friends now? You should work in Ted Cruz into the storylines. He would be a great villain to have on the show. Looks like Charlie and Jon Ross will have an affair. Plus, now that Courtney has come clean, we can see Christopher and Lucia's relationship take off.

    • #39

      Timmy (Saturday, 27 February 2021 02:39)

      Good episode Shawn dying I got no sympathy for him but it was at least decent to see him have a bit of regret and remorse before his death a little bit to late clearly hopefully this will stop john Ross treating Klay like a outsider I've always liked him and U gotta remember his time in Dallas hasn't been all the great his father he only just found out about James gets killed then his mother is rotting in jail for killing Tripp and framing Justin so hopefully this ends there squabbling as for Pamela and Justin I think with Shawn gone might bring a bit of closure to it all Pamela's had a rough trot some of it her own doing but she doesn't deserve what's happened to her miscarried Christopher's twins then gets pregnant as a result of a rape then is finally happy with Justin only for both to happen again I hope she gets better and that John Ross and Brad can leave Justin and Pamela's relationship alone might just put a end to this nearly 90 year old fued between the Barnes and Ewing families that has caused so much heartache for both families great episode again

    • #40

      Andrew Hass (Saturday, 27 February 2021 03:38)

      @ParkerBena i think Afton saw first hand what the Barnes-Ewing feud did to Cliff and she may not want that for Brad.So i think as long as Ewings leave Brad and Pamela alone Afton will leave them.Now if Brad targets the Ewings first then that's a different story but if the Ewings go after Brad for no reason but them not liking that he's the head of the ORC then i could see Afton having a problem with them.However i wonder if this situation with Alex has changed John Ross in that he might agree to leave Brad alone as along as Brad agrees to not use his position as head of the ORC to go after Ewing Oil.

    • #41

      Trevor Campbell (Saturday, 27 February 2021 06:10)

      @andrew but brad has already been shown to be going after Ewing Oil. John Ross found out about the plan Brad and Shawn concocted, so rest assured he's gonna make sure Brad gets removed from that position.

    • #42

      Andrew Hass (Saturday, 27 February 2021 06:50)

      A lot has changed since Brad and Shawn teamed up to go after Ewing Oil.So maybe Brad might be willing to give up his vendetta against the Ewings at least for now as long as the Ewings agree to leave him alone and not try to remove him from the head of the ORC.I'm not saying that any truce between Brad and the Ewings will be permanent right now thy have more important things to deal with.or example Brad may want to be there for Pamela and the Ewings may have their own problems to deal with.However that been said i wouldn't be surprised if Jeremy Wendell takes advantage of the Ewings been distracted to do something to go after them.

    • #43

      Parker Bena (Sunday, 28 February 2021 21:17)

      @Andrew Haas Afton is a rank amateur. Against the Ewings, she won't stand a chance. Brad is still conspiring with Adam Carrington commit treason against the United States. Not only that, they are looking to set the Ewings up to take the fall. Brad and Adam's asses need to rot in Federal prison, but not before the deal unravels and six Iranian thugs find them and beat the crap out of them.

    • #44

      Andrew Hass (Monday, 01 March 2021 04:58)

      IMO there's no drama if the Ewings win every fight/battle they're in.So i think they need to lose eventually whether it's to Jeremy Wendell, Brad or someone else because it could be interesting to see how they rebound from a defeat and how they decide to fight back.Or it could be interesting to see how the Ewings would react if they're sort of pushed to the wall and if they will have to dig down deep to fight against an enemy.

    • #45

      Parker Bena (Monday, 01 March 2021 13:55)

      @Andrew Haas If they were to lose a battle, it's not going to be to a couple of filthy stinking traitors that spit on the American flag. That's what Adam and Brad are doing!

    • #46

      Andrew Hass (Monday, 01 March 2021 15:32)

      When and if it comes out that Adam and Brad are doing business with Iran Ewing Oil could be implicated because of the deal with ColbyCo.I'm not saying the U.S. government would go after the Ewings or Ewing Oil as a result but it could force the Ewing family to come together to try to clear their name in the public eye because the public might assume the Ewings were involved with ColbyCo in the iran deal since on the original series JR hired BD Calhoun to blow up the Saudi oil fields.So the past could come back to haunt the Ewngs now.Plus it could be ironic that just as the Ewing family are coming together as a result of the situation with Alex it comes out that John Ross made that deal with ColbyCo and that Co;byCo is doing business with Iran which could impact Ewing Oil since it is in business with ColbyCo.So if i was John Ross maybe i would try to get Ewing Oil out of that deal with ColbyCo somehow before his family learns about it because i wouldn't be surprised if Adam or Brad might be waiting till the right moment to reveal it in the most public way.Plus if Adam and Brad go down they may not care who they take with them.

    • #47

      Dee Wilkins (Monday, 01 March 2021 21:48)

      Wow. Hope you're writing screen plays and/or novels and submitting to agencies and such, John.

    • #48

      Derek Mathews (Tuesday, 02 March 2021 01:04)

      Parker Bena, you need to calm down my friend. Geez Louise! Charlie doesn’t have any intentions of stealing John Ross from Krystina. There are plenty of single men in Dallas. She can find one in Dallas. She can find a new job but at the end of the day, she and John Ross are Alex’s parents and nothing more. Charlie is not like her manipulative bitch of a mother. Give Charlie a chance. Besides she’s absolutely not going back to New York not after the hell her son has been through this whole time. No possible way.

    • #49

      Derek Mathews (Tuesday, 02 March 2021 01:13)

      Yes Christopher told Courtney’s cheating ass to go because their relationship is done and while Christopher was not cheating physically he was emotionally and those two definitely need time before they even think about getting into a new relationship with Joseph and Lucia. They need to get through with their divorce, Courtney needs to to get a damn job, or two and support herself and her child right now. She needs a place of her own or something. I knew their marriage would really be tested once Joseph and Lucia entered the picture and that’s pretty much what happened.

    • #50

      Derek Mathews (Tuesday, 02 March 2021 01:30)

      Timmy, you need to learn how to use a period man because all that you wrote, that got very confusing. Second of all, ROTFLMAO at your comment. John Ross and Brad leaving Justin and Pamela relationship alone? Where do you get that? John Ross right now doesn’t give a damn about their relationship. He’s thinking about his son and the hell he has been through. The hell that John Ross has been dealing with. He’s thinking about Shawn Smith and how that kid has hurt his family and how he treated him like a son. He’s worried about Charlie because that’s his sons mother and he has no idea what they are going to do about Alex, how they are going to react to him, and how they are going to treat him now that this happened. John Ross doesn’t give a damn about Justin and Pamela’s relationship right now. I mean that’s his brothers wife, he will be cordial to her. He’s concerned that she got raped twice, she suffered a miscarriage, and he cares about his brothers happiness, but he doesn’t care about their relationship. Brad doesn’t care about their relationship. He’s got his job to worry about. I doubt Brad is thinking about John Ross right now.

    • #51

      Derek Mathews (Tuesday, 02 March 2021 01:46)

      I do agree that Connor is a major jackass right now. Connor did something that is unforgivable in my view. He snaked his brothers girlfriend, and even though he said what he said to Jasmine, I think he feels bad what he did. I know Ashley feels regret and I’m glad that Ray and Donna ripped Connor and Ashley a new one for what they did. And Jasmine isn’t innocent either and I really can’t believe she set up Dylan like that to witness that. So Connor, Jasmine, and Ashley have absolutely destroyed Connor. I loved the cat fight that Jasmine and Ashley got into. She is definitely not only her mothers daughter but she just happens to be JR Ewings granddaughter. But if I were Connor, I’d be careful dealing with Jasmine because right now she is a scorned woman, and so on. But Jasmine has to realize what she has done, and she has to live with that.

    • #52

      Derek Mathews (Tuesday, 02 March 2021 01:52)

      David Rodriquez, you ate out of your mind. I will be very surprised if John Ross and Clay aren’t at least cordial to each other after that whole entire thing. Second, the idea of Charlie and John Ross having an affair is preposterous. Get that out of your mind. John Ross and Charlie are co-parents of Alex, that’s it. She has Absolutely no romantic feelings towards him whatsoever. John Ross and Krystina went to New Mexico to save Alex from Shawn. That’s it.

    • #53

      Derek Mathews (Tuesday, 02 March 2021 02:05)

      But I liked during that road trip that Shawn and Alex talked about everything, including the pain and augish that he has caused. Of all of Shawn’s crimes, the one that did surprise me the most was their mutual friend Tyler. I mean Tyler didn’t do anything to Shawn, and he killed him like it’s nothing. And I love how his patience kept being tested. And Alex kept finding ways to escape. And in the end, Alex is the one that survived. He is absolutely going to need some therapy at the end of the day.

    • #54

      Parker Bena (Tuesday, 02 March 2021 08:20)

      @Andrew Haas If you're thinking Afton has a shot at taking, your crazy! I told you. Afton is a rank amateur. That's almost as ridiculous as that coke-addled whore Judith taking them down. That bitch ended up taking herself down.

    • #55

      Parker Bena (Tuesday, 02 March 2021 08:21)

      @Andrew Haas. Oops! Taking down the Ewings.

    • #56

      Trevor Campbell (Tuesday, 02 March 2021 10:51)

      Great to see derek back, was wondering where he was

    • #57

      Derek Mathews (Tuesday, 02 March 2021 11:17)

      Well I’ve been in Facebook jail. It’s a really long story though.

    • #58

      Derek Mathews (Tuesday, 02 March 2021 11:37)

      Parker Bena, calm down man. Afton is not even thinking about taking down the Ewings. She’s concerned about her daughter right now, and everything. And let’s face it, I am not a big Pamela fan, but she is going to need tons of therapy before she can go back to work. She has been raped twice, suffered a miscarriage, and so on. She is also going to need tons of rest before she ever gets back to work. And Afton being the new matriarch of the Barnes family is what they need. They need someone who is smart and creative. But it’s good to see Sue Ellen and Afton co-existing right now. Glad that Sue Ellen dropped by to see about Pamela.

    • #59

      Derek Mathews (Tuesday, 02 March 2021 11:52)

      There is no possible way Shawn Smith is still alive. Nobody could survive that fall, so Shawn Smith is dead for sure. And he won’t bother the Ewing family again. But at the end of the day, it’s crazy how much Jeremy Wendell and Shawn Smiths quest for money and power just destroyed him. Westar in his own right destroyed him. It destroyed his brother Tripp McKay. It destroyed Carter McKay too. And Jeremy Wendell has now outlived all three of his grandsons. That’s absolutely crazy! He outlived all three of his grandsons and he’s 90 years old or something.

    • #60

      Derek Mathews (Tuesday, 02 March 2021 12:31)

      Going to New Mexico was quite the adventure, and I’m glad that Justin, Clay, and John Ross did it together. They all had a score to settle with Shawn Smith. I mean because of him, Clay Beaumont couldn’t find a job in Dallas and he had to settle for Ewing Oil. But I hope that now John Ross and Clay Beaumont can come together, and stop fighting each other. Hopefully John Ross will even apologize and they can move on. Glad John Ross is doing ok at the end of the day, and everything. But he’s tough.

    • #61

      Derek Mathews (Tuesday, 02 March 2021 12:44)

      I hope Dylan can regain his being sober at the end of the day, and I figured that Connor would have to end up moving out. Maybe he can move in with Ashley at the end of the day, and everything. I still do not approve of that relationship. I’m blown away by their betrayal that Connor and Ashley could do something like that to him, and now because of them, he lost his soberity.

    • #62

      Derek Mathews (Tuesday, 02 March 2021 13:12)

      Regarding Courtney and Christopher, I always knew the fact that Christopher wasn’t Jacobs real dad was the elephant in the room. The fact that Joseph Gioberti was in the picture was another problem, and that he, not Christopher was Jacobs real father. And Christopher had a point, Joseph didn’t even remember Courtney. And I understand that Courtney didn’t want Joseph to get into trouble. I mean at the time, Courtney was 15, and Joseph was 21. And Gioberti was never going to give away his rights. But the fact remains is that Christopher was more of a father than Joseph was and he did all these things with him. And Joseph comes and takes all his spotlight away.

    • #63

      Derek Mathews (Tuesday, 02 March 2021 13:39)

      LOL! The Ewings have been pushed by plenty of enemies in their day but in the end they always come out victorious. They have been pushed by the likes of the Barnes family, the Channing family, the McKay family. who else? Katherine Wentworth, and now Shawn Smith. But the common thing those people have in common now is they all have lost to the Ewings. I will even throw in Brittany Ewing, Caitlin’s ex-wife. Dealing with Michelle Stevens too. Then Katelyn Spencer and Brian Manning plus Kimberly Cryder, and Foster. And Allision Jones too. All these enemies causing the Ewings drama. The Ewings are seen as the good guys. Everybody else are the villains.

    • #64

      Derek Mathews (Tuesday, 02 March 2021 14:49)

      Looks like there is a new rivalry on the horizon as Jasmine goes up against Connor and Ashley. Right now it’s even because Jasmine exposed Connor and Ashley. Connor has promised Jasmine if she comes anywhere near him, Dylan, and Ashley, he’s going to make her pay so if I were Jasmine id live them alone. One thing for sure she has proven she is definitely JR Ewings, not to mention her mothers daughter.

    • #65

      Derek Mathews (Tuesday, 02 March 2021 15:08)

      Well I think Charlie will really be glad to see her son, and I don’t know if Alex will ever be the same after going through all this. When he gets back he will definitely need lots therapy to sort out. He might need to hold off getting engagement until he gets therapy for what he went through.

    • #66

      Derek Mathews (Tuesday, 02 March 2021 15:40)

      Maybe Sue Ellen can help Dylan with his soberity at the end of the day because right now Dylan will need all the help they can get. Dylan is also going to need counseling too to talk about what happened with Connor and Ashley, and his soberity, how their betrayal destroyed him. I mean he might never forgive Connor for what he did, and I’m willing to bet the same goes for Dylan. Makes me believe that Shawn was right about her the whole time, and that’s disturbing.

    • #67

      Derek Mathews (Tuesday, 02 March 2021 16:19)

      I’m starting to feel really bad for Christopher. He’s been so unlucky in the name of love. He’s been betrayed by both Elena and Courtney. This is just very unfortunate.

    • #68

      Derek Mathews (Tuesday, 02 March 2021 16:41)

      Andrew Haas, why do you feel sorry for Shawn? Shawn Smith is a scumbag. He raped Pamela; that rape caused a miscarriage and killed Pamela and Justin’s baby; he killed a friend of his, countless amounts of kidnapping. Look what he did to Miguel, Miguel is lucky to be alive because he could of died of heat exhaustion by locking him in that car out in the middle of nowhere. Sure Shawn Smith might have a lasting effect on the characters but right now, the Ewing family has been through too much pain and augish because of this young man, Courtney’s brother. Shawn got what he deserved in the long run.

    • #69

      Derek Mathews (Tuesday, 02 March 2021 17:16)

      I can’t wait for John Ross and Krystina to reunite. I can’t wait to see him reunite with his children and I’m sure the whole entire family will be thrilled to see Alex too. Man it’s been a crazy four or five months for the Ewing family. Another enemy of theirs has bit the dust.

    • #70

      Derek Mathews (Tuesday, 02 March 2021 17:18)

      Things are really going to be awkward when Emma Ryland gets out. I wonder what was in that letter that she wrote Elena on Falcon Crest? I’m vastly curious.

    • #71

      Trevor Campbell (Wednesday, 03 March 2021 04:44)

      I wonder if shawn's death might bring Andrew Murray back to dallas

    • #72

      Derek Mathews (Wednesday, 03 March 2021 08:04)

      Andrew Murray was not really an important character on this show.

    • #73

      Parker Bena (Wednesday, 03 March 2021 09:18)

      I will be interested to see how Courtney reacts to Shawn's death even though Christopher tossed her out on her keister.

    • #74

      Trevor Campbell (Wednesday, 03 March 2021 09:22)

      @derek he's shawn's father though so it'd be interesting to see his reaction to everything

    • #75

      Derek Mathews (Wednesday, 03 March 2021 11:04)

      No offense buddy but they never met in person, and everything. I know he’s Shawn’s father but this guy has two sons that are dead now. He may not have a reaction at all because they never met each other in person, and honestly I can understand that. It’s hard to have a reaction for somebody you have never laid eyes on.

    • #76

      Derek Mathews (Wednesday, 03 March 2021 15:49)

      Yes John, Shawn came onto this scene as Tripp McKays twin brother who had the same number as Tripp McKay. He was 17 years old when he came upon the Dallas scene. 5 years later he’s 22 years old he’s a murderer, rapist, kidnapper, at the end of the day, and everything. That was quite a bang and I sure didn’t know it was going to end like that though. One thing for sure, Jeremy Wendell sure did a number on him, not to mention all that power, and greed too. He basically lost everything including the money to the estate, his best friend, and two girlfriends. That 800 million dollars well Pamela’s children got that.

    • #77

      Trevor Campbell (Wednesday, 03 March 2021 19:22)

      @derek they had a few brief interactions a couple years ago, before shawn found out the truth. They bumped into each other when jacob was in the hospital, and shawn also attended ben's funeral

    • #78

      Parker Bena (Wednesday, 03 March 2021 19:26)

      @Andrew Haas Do you not like the Ewings or something? I Timmy doesn't.

    • #79

      Parker Bena (Wednesday, 03 March 2021 19:28)

      *know

    • #80

      Derek Mathews (Thursday, 04 March 2021 00:13)

      I don’t know why I don’t think any of that matters right now because the storyline didn’t develop enough. So I just don’t know right now.

    • #81

      Derek Mathews (Thursday, 04 March 2021 00:35)

      Andrew Hass, Brad Barnes needs to give up his Ewing vendetta altogether. Seriously, be smart for once in your life. LEARN for god sake from experiences like Tripp McKay, your father Cliff Barnes, and most recently Shawn Smith. Look where their vendettas against the Ewings got them? It got two of them six feet into the ground; the other died from falling over a cliff. Look where the Ewing vendetta got Katherine Wentworth, and Michelle Stevens, and I will even throw in Carter McKay too. All these Ewing enemies are either dead or in jail for life. Allison Jones and Kimberly Cryder: Jail.

    • #82

      Parker Bena (Thursday, 04 March 2021 15:26)

      @Derek Mathews Hopefully, we can add Adam Carrington to that list and, hopefully his trying to mess with the Ewings will get him beaten to a bloody pulp by some Iranian goons as well as busted for treason against the United States. If there's one thing the Ewings DO NOT do, it's spit on the American flag.

    • #83

      Andrew Hass (Thursday, 04 March 2021 16:02)

      @DerekMatthews I agree that Brad should give up his vendetta against Ewings and maybe in a way the best revenge he can get against them is to be the best head of the ORC he can be and just be happy in his life.Now that been said if the Ewings go after him even though he has left them alone then it might be a different story because Brad could claim he did nothing to the Ewings to warrant them coming after him.Plus i think Brad needs to be there for Pamela now and not focus on the Ewings because since Pamela is married to a Ewing Brad going after the Ewings could just end up hurting her.
      As for Shawn, i'm wondering even though he's dead he'll still be impacting things because it could be interesting to see how Alex deals with things going forward and seeing what trying to get power did to Shawn.So i could see Alex backing away at least temporarily working at Ewing Oil and focusing on other things in his life.Plus i think Alex may need therapy.Also i could John Ross wanting revenge on the people who made Shawn into the monster he became like Jeremy Wendell.IMO the best characters are the ones that still can make an impact even though he or she has died.

    • #84

      Andrew Hass (Thursday, 04 March 2021 16:12)

      #DerekMatthews. I agree that Alex might need therapy and maybe even time by himself to deal with everything that happened but i'm worried that his parents and Bridget may try to smother him with comfort which might be the last thing he needs.Plus i'm wondering if Alex confide in Krystina at first and not his parents or Bridget and i could see Charlie becoming jealous that her son is turning to Krsytina and not her for comfort.So like i posted above i think it could be interesting if instead of Charlie and Krystina fighting over John Ross they sort of fight over Alex.
      Also as for Shawn i hate Shawn for the things he did and i do think he deserved to die but he wasn't always a bad character.He did do some good things during his time on the show.So yes you can hate Shawn for the bad things he did but at the same time you could appreciate the good things he did.The bad things Shawn did doesn't negate some of the good things he did.

    • #85

      Derek Mathews (Friday, 05 March 2021 03:37)

      Man I don’t know about that treason storyline and so on. That’s a little bit far fetched Parker Bena. But Adam Carrington is just a scumbag too, and Brad is going to regret getting involved with him. Besides I haven’t heard too much about the that storyline in a while too. There have been too many others going on at the end of the end of the day.

    • #86

      Derek Mathews (Friday, 05 March 2021 04:29)

      And yes Andrew Hass, that’s exactly what Brad needs to do. That’s the best revenge he could have by being the best head of ORC that he can be and doing it objectively and honestly. And I doubt the Ewings go after Brad for a while. They got too much going on with Alex, Christopher and Courtney’s impending divorce, the fall out of this Shawn Smith thing because it did impact the whole family, I will even throw in the situation with Dylan, Connor, and Ashley and how that mess is going to be worked out; dealing with Dylan’s soberity too. Overall, another reason why John Ross has cut Brad some slack is because he has lost his father and nobody understands that more than John Ross. And yes Brad needs to be there for Pamela too because she is his sister. But she is a Ewing too. Shawn might still be impacting things but he was a major character for the last 5 years at the end of the day, and everything. I think everybody in the Ewing family would understand if Alex wanted to do different things outside of Ewing Oil at this point. And yes Alex needing therapy is one of those other things in life Alex needs to focus on. I doubt John Ross wants revenge on Jeremy Wendell. We all have choices in life and Shawn Smith made his. As much as I want to blame Jeremy Wendell, Shawn Smith let all that power and greed get to him and he changed for the worst. He had a bright future and he destroyed himself. Became a rapist, kidnapper, and a murderer.

    • #87

      Derek Mathews (Friday, 05 March 2021 05:48)

      Yeah Alex is going to need therapy for sure to talk about everything he went through. LOL Charlie and Krystina have no reason to fight over Alex or be jealous of the other. That’s ridiculous. John Ross, Charlie, and Krystina all have one thing in common and that’s they all love Alex. In fact, Alex has too much love in this family. No he wasn’t always a bad character but still in the end he made bad choices.

    • #88

      Andrew Hass (Friday, 05 March 2021 10:37)

      I'm wondering if the Ewings might agree to leave Brad alone and let him be the head of the ORC as long as he leaves them alone and as the head of the ORC he does things objectively and doesn't let his personal feelings influence his decisions.Plus maybe Brad been the head of the ORC might be a good thing for the Ewings because it keeps Brad in the public eye and if he uses his position to go after the Ewings it'll be public.As for Shawn, i'm wondering if some characters might feel guilty for not been there for Shawn like they should have been and if they had maybe he would have made different choices in his life.As for Alex, i could see him maybe f\going to work at Ewing Records because there it might be less stressful than working at Ewing Oil.Also regarding Shawn, he made his own decisions and mistakes in his life and the only one who is to blame for the way Shawn's life became is Shawn himself.

    • #89

      Andrew Hass (Friday, 05 March 2021 10:56)

      Yeah S\Alex will need therapy and it might be easier for him to talk to a stranger about everything that happened to him than his family.Plus Alex has gone through a lot in his life and so maybe he needs to open up about other things besides his experience of been kidnapped by Shawn.As John Ross, Charlies and Krystina, yes i agree that they all love Alex and want to be there for him but they may have different ideas about how to help Alex and there could be conflict there.As for Charlie and Krystina, maybe i should have phrased it differently instead of writing that they will fight over Alex.For example Charlie, since she's Alex's mother might feel that Alex should turn to her for comfort and might be upset if Alex instead turns to Krystina for comfort.Also Charlei might be jealous if she finds out that Alex confided things in Krystina that he hasn't confided in her.As for Krystina, the last few years with Charlie living in New York Krystina has sort of become a mother figure to Alex and now with Charlie back in Dallas and maybe permanently Krystina might feel a little pushed to the side.Also i'm wondering if John Ross might offer to let Charlie temporarily stay at the cabin on Southfork since he may know Alex may need his mom around and at the same time Charlie staying at the cabin gives her space to figure out things in terms of whether she wants to go back to New York or move back to Dallas.

    • #90

      Andrew Hass (Friday, 05 March 2021 10:59)

      @DerekMatthews I hope that storyline regarding John Ross making that deal with ColbyCo is resolved one way or another because i don't like leaving things unresolved.I don't care if resolving it just consists of John Ross figuring a way to get out of that deal as long as it's resolved.

    • #91

      Parker Bena (Friday, 05 March 2021 21:04)

      @Derek Matthews. Adam's deal involves Iran. That has been mentioned as I recall. Iran is an embargoed nation. Dealing with an embargoed nation is treason.

    • #92

      Will (Saturday, 06 March 2021 00:43)

      I've been waiting for that deal with ColbyCo to blow up. Bobby and Sue Ellen could kick John Ross out of Ewing Oil, even be forced to since Iran is involved. Great episode, John!!!

    • #93

      Trevor Campbell (Saturday, 06 March 2021 09:47)

      Yeah can't wait for that storyline with adam carrington involved with iran to be revisited, gonna be epic

    • #94

      Derek Mathews (Saturday, 06 March 2021 10:45)

      Will and Andrew Hass, I don’t know when the Colby Co deal will be resolved but right now there is like too many things going on right now to even talk about that. John Ross hasn’t even been concerned about work because he has thinking about Alex all this time. John Ross won’t get kicked out of Ewing Oil because Jill only has a connection to the Colby Co deal too.

    • #95

      Derek Mathews (Saturday, 06 March 2021 10:57)

      I understand at the end of the day. With the way the Ewings operate they find things, and they always go public. Being in the public eye is good for publicity. None of the characters should feel bad fly for not being there for Shawn. When you do things like hurt someone else’s loved ones, you aren’t going to get peoples support. I mean look what Shawn has became. A murderer, rapist, and kidnapper. Shawn is the only person responsible for his actions; that’s exactly right. Yes working at Ewing Records would be a lot less stressful though. Alex needs some time apart from Ewing Oil right now.

    • #96

      Andrew Hass (Saturday, 06 March 2021 11:06)

      @DerekMatthews I don't think John Ross amking that deal with ColbyCo will be revealed right now because as you point out there's many other things going on and when it does come out about John Ross making that deal with ColbyCo it should happen when it should have the biggest impact.Plus i do wonder if the ColbyCo deal might be hanging over John Ross in a way because i wonder if Bobby and Sue Ellen seeing how John Ross has acted during this whole situation with Alex gives him more power at Ewing Oil since they might be impressed by him.So it would be ironic if just as John Ross is finally getting more power at Ewing Oil and the Ewings are coming together the deal between Ewing Oil and ColbyCo comes out.As for Alex, i wonder if he starts reevaluating his life in the wake of his kidnapping and decides to make some changes because i don't think he's the same person he was before Shawn kidnapped him.For example even though i'm sure Alex is still in love with Bridget and may want to spend the rest of his life with her he may not want to marry her right away because he may want enjoy life before jumps into marriage.However i could see Bridget wanting to marry Alex sooner rather than later after almost losing him forever.

    • #97

      Trevor Campbell (Saturday, 06 March 2021 14:23)

      We definitely need Alex and Bridget to get married asap, as well as make John Ross a grandfather lol

    • #98

      Andrew Hass (Saturday, 06 March 2021 15:54)

      When and if Alex and Bridget get married i can just imagine the drama at their wedding.For example Steven who is Bridget's brother would bring his wife Amanda to the wedding and considering Amanda's history with John Ross, Justin, Jimmy and Dylan there could be drama because all 4 of those men will probably be at the wedding.Plus even though i think Steven knows all about Amanda's past him coming face to face with it might be a different story.If i was Alex and Bridget maybe i would just elope with maybe just have john Ross, Charlie, Krystina, Michelle and Donna as witnesses and then throw a party celebrating their marriage later.

    • #99

      Derek Mathews (Saturday, 06 March 2021 18:03)

      Alright Parker Bena, I understand at the end of the day, and everything. That deal will be revealed eventually just not now though.

    • #100

      Derek Mathews (Saturday, 06 March 2021 18:35)

      Well Andrew Hass, I think Krystina and Jill are keys to this whole thing too. And I think Krystina is going to help John Ross get out of that Colby Co deal because it is her brother trying to ruin him at the end of the day, and everything. Anyway, I really doubt John Ross is even thinking about work right so it really doesn’t matter if he gets more power or not. I doubt it would happen that way but it’s a suggestion though as well. Of course I expect Alex to make changes because he went through a lot of hell. Of course Alex is not the same person he once was before he got kidnapped. Shawn changed him because he made that experience horrifying at the end of the day. Of course I could see Alex not wanting to marry Bridget right away, and he would want to have his fair share of fun though. Bridget isn’t going to lose Alex but Alex needs therapy before he considers that kind of major setup with anybody.

    • #101

      Derek Mathews (Saturday, 06 March 2021 18:57)

      Honestly Trevor, I don’t see Bridget and Alex being ready for marriage though right now. I definitely don’t see them being ready for marriage or children LOL. John Ross a grandfather at age 40 would be off the hilarious.

    • #102

      Derek Mathews (Saturday, 06 March 2021 21:01)

      Actually I don’t think any of that will be matter. Justin and John Ross have upgraded with Pamela and Krystina. Dylan is worried about soberity, and Jimmy think don’t know. So Amanda being there won’t be as big a build as you think. I think Steven knows about Amanda’s past but maybe eloping would be easier for Bridget and Alex when the time is write though. And having those witneeses and later throwing a wedding reception later would work out really well.

    • #103

      Andrew Hass (Sunday, 07 March 2021 03:30)

      #DerekMatthews I also think Krystina will try to help John Ross get out of that deal with ColbyCo before Bobby and Sue Ellen finds out about it because she may know they won't be happy that John Ross went behind their backs to amke that deal with ColbyCo.So i could see Krystina approaching Adam and trying to make a deal with him in which he agrees to let Ewing Oil out of the deal with ColbyCo in return for something.As for John Ross, i do wonder if this situation with Alex has changed him in that he realizes that family comes first.So i could see John Ross maybe trying to make amends with some of his family members and putting family first.As for Bridget, isn't going to lose Alex anytime soon but i could see Bridget feeling insecure if Alex starts making decisions about his life that she may not agree with.For example if Alex wants to wait to announce their engagement to their families until he's recovered from his ordeal that could make Bridget feel insecure

    • #104

      Andrew Hass (Sunday, 07 March 2021 03:42)

      @DerekMatthews Yes i know that John Ross and Justin has moved on with Krystina and Pamela respectively but seeing Amanda might bring back painful memories even for a second.As for Steven, he may know all about Amanda's past but coming face to face with her exes might make for an uncomfortable situation at first because i'm sure any person might be uncomfortable if he or she runs into his or her partner's ex(es).As for Alex and Bridget, i don't know if a big wedding is what they would want.They may just want a small wedding with just a few witnesses and they could throw a wedding reception later.That way the pressure might be off them.

    • #105

      Derek Mathews (Sunday, 07 March 2021 16:36)

      Well that’s how I think Krystina is going to save John Ross once again. Of course Bobby and Sue Ellen won’t be happy. And Christopher knows about the deal too but I hope for just once that he keeps his mouth shut. Yeah Krystina making a deal with her brother so Ewing Oil gets out of that Colby Co deal sounds about right to me. And he knows family comes first, and the only people I know he has to make amends with are Clay and Lila, and possibly Jill. Well Bridget being insecure should be understood though because Alex went through hell and back though. I would definitely postpone their engagement for a little while though.

    • #106

      Derek Mathews (Sunday, 07 March 2021 17:00)

      Yes it might be a little awkward for John Ross, Justin, and Amanda, but at the end of the day they all have moved on with different people. I doubt that Justin and John Ross are going to rake Amanda over the coals for the fact that she cheated on both of them. It might be more awkward with Jimmy and Dylan. Yes Stephen knows all about her past and it’s going to be awkward with all her exes, but it may not be as bad as you think it is. But a small wedding with a few witnesses would be perfect though. And then throw a wedding reception later.

    • #107

      Andrew Hass (Sunday, 07 March 2021 18:03)

      Well considering that Christopher right now may have more important things to deal with than worrying about John Ross and him making that deal with ColbyCo.However i could see Christopher telling John Ross that he won't tell anyone about that deal he made with ColbyCo but he won't lie either if someone asks him about it.As for Krystina, since she may know Adam's weak spot her getting Adam to let Ewing Oil out of that deal with ColbyCo might be easy.Regarding John Ross, considering that Clay helped in the search for Alex John Ross's relationship with him might be improving.As or Bridget, it makes sense that she might be a little insecure and as a result i could see her hovering over Alex because she almost lost him forever but i think Alex will reassure her that nothing has changed between them but that he just needs time and space to feal with everything that happened before they start planning their future together.

    • #108

      Andrew Hass (Sunday, 07 March 2021 18:13)

      Regarding Justin and John Ross, it might be a little awkward for them at first to see Amanda but considering they each might have more things to deal with in their lives than dealing with Amanda i could see them just been cordial to her and maybe even wishing her well in her marriage to Steven.Plus i agree that it might be more awkward for Jimmy and Dylan to see Amanda again since they were both in love with her.Plus when the times for the planning of Alex and Bridget's wedding i hope their family take what they want in consideration because Alex and Bridget may not want a big spectacle of a wedding but just a small affair where maybe just their families/loved ones are invited.

    • #109

      Parker Bena (Sunday, 07 March 2021 21:59)

      Courtney can move to Timbuktu for all I care. She put Christopher's heart in a blender and hit Frappe! It's too bad too because I really liked her character. I do feel bad for Jacob, but I could care less what happens to her.

    • #110

      Parker Bena (Sunday, 07 March 2021 22:10)

      Hopefully, Alex and Bridget's wedding WON'T be at Southfork.

    • #111

      Andrew Hass (Monday, 08 March 2021 04:00)

      I also hope Alex and Bridget's wedding won't be at Southfork for a lot of reasons and since it's their wedding Alex and Bridget should pick where it's held.Now that been said maybe their wedding reception or whatever could be held at Southfork.As for Courtney, i don't think she's leaving Dallas anytime soon because she may not want to uproot Jacob too much at first.Plus i could see Courtney needing time and space from both Joseph and Christopher to figure out what she wants to do next because she may not want to jump into a relationship with Joseph right after ending her marriage to Christopher.Plus maybe Courtney and Joseph need to get know each other better and the last thing they may want is to get Jacob's hopes up that they're be together only to dash them.So i could see Courtney and Joseph taking things so.Also i could see Courtney getting a job and not depending Joseph to support her and Jacob.

    • #112

      Trevor Campbell (Monday, 08 March 2021 07:09)

      I think christopher and courtney will end up together again in the end

    • #113

      Andrew Hass (Monday, 08 March 2021 07:31)

      I also think Christopher and Courtney will get back together but for now they need to be apart because they each need to figure some things out.For example Courtney may need to figure out what her feelings for Joseph are and Christopher may need to figure out what his feelings for Lucia are.Also just because Christopher and Courtney may have decided to separate it doesn't mean they have to rush to get divorced.They could agree to put off a divorce for awhile because they may want to see what happenss first.

    • #114

      Derek Mathews (Monday, 08 March 2021 08:11)

      Trevor, Andrew, Courtney and Christopher’s marriage is as good as done. They tried for god sake though. They really did, and look what happened. Things fell apart. They developed feelings for other people. Courtney cheated physically, Christopher cheated emotionally. Courtney was obviously jealous of Lucia and who could blame her, she has the body of a supermodel, and Courtney looks like an average woman compared to her. Christopher is jealous of Joseph because of the fact that he is Jacobs real father. And Christopher has a point. He has been there for Jacob from day 1. He helped Courtney get her son back from his abusive stepparents, he gave Jacob a home, and family to be around. And then Joseph Gioberti the real father just comes out of nowhere and takes his spotlight. And Christopher has a point. Joseph didn’t even remember Courtney. They might as well get divorced. They need to just move on with their lives, they need to see if they have all these feelings for Lucia and Joseph. Nobody wants to date a married man or woman.

    • #115

      Parker Bena (Monday, 08 March 2021 08:33)

      @Derek Matthews. You just solved Lucia Trevino's job problem. She could model. Angelica Celaya is a model in real life.

    • #116

      Parker Bena (Monday, 08 March 2021 08:36)

      @Trevor Campbell @Andrew Haas. Sorry, guys, but I think Christopher and Courtney are splitsville.

    • #117

      Derek Mathews (Monday, 08 March 2021 09:37)

      Parker Bena that’s a little harsh. I don’t think she did it on purpose. I think she did it because she was vulnerable. All that arguing between Courtney and Christopher about Joseph and Lucia led to that. And I doubt that Alex and Bridget will have their wedding at Southfork. They are too young for the horrors of those bad marriages.

    • #118

      Derek Mathews (Monday, 08 March 2021 09:42)

      Well I would love to see that at the end of the day because she has the look for it. She’s tall, gorgeous eyes, gorgeous hair, she’s got the total package. Nicholas Trevino was a scum bag but he had really good taste in women.

    • #119

      Derek Mathews (Monday, 08 March 2021 10:47)

      Andrew Hass, I doubt that Alex and Bridget get married at Southfork. They might have a few witnesses but not a big wedding. They need to go into martial counseling first, Alex needs therapy too before they even think about getting engaged too. He’s been through hell. Joseph and Courtney definitely need to slow down. Get to know each other. Christopher and Lucia need to do that too. She needs to get a job or two. No I don’t think she will leave Dallas either but she needs to probe that she can stand on her two feet though.

    • #120

      Derek Mathews (Monday, 08 March 2021 11:37)

      Christopher telling one lie isn’t going to kill him. Just stop acting so perfect though, and everything. And yes Krystina helping John Ross out of the Colby co deal will help him. She does know Adam Carrington a lot better than John Ross does so she could definitely get a deal where Ewing Oil gets out of that deal. Alex and Bridget will be fine. He just needs to get back to his normal life, he might need to relax for a while because of all the hell he went through. He might never be the same person again at the end of the day.

    • #121

      Derek Mathews (Monday, 08 March 2021 11:57)

      Well I expect John Ross and Justin to do that anyway. I expect them to be cordial to Amanda. They both have upgrades from Amanda at the end of the day, and everything. They are both happy with their wives and their children. I think Stephen will be okay. I don’t know if Jimmy or Dylan will even be at the wedding though at the time. I see John Ross relationship with Clay improving and maybe he might call Jill and apologize to her too. Maybe Lilia too. At the end of the day if that happens, that’s great too.

    • #122

      Andrew Hass (Monday, 08 March 2021 12:05)

      @DerekMatthews Yes Christopher has been there for Jacob since day one as you pointed out but it's not Joseph's fault that he didn't know he had a son until the last year or so.You can't blame Joseph for not been there for his son because he didn't know he had a son.We don't know what Joseph would have done had he known he had a child right from the beginning.Plus Courtney and Christopher aren't exactly innocent because they knew Joseph and not Chase was Jacob's biological father and they continued to lie.Plus no matter what Christopher and Courtney decide to do about ending their marriage i hope they sit Jacob down together and explain to him that it's not his fault and they love him and also explain to him why Jacob may not be able to see Christopher and other members of the Ewing family as much.As for Jacob's horse which i think he still has maybe Christopher asks Justin or Ray if they could keep it at one of their ranches and that Jacob could still see his horse but it won't make things uncomfortable.

    • #123

      Trevor Campbell (Monday, 08 March 2021 12:15)

      but Christopher and Courtney both are in the opening credits for the season. whereas joesph and lucia are not. Plus we can't have christopher all of a sudden not be a father to jacob any more

    • #124

      Andrew Hass (Monday, 08 March 2021 12:15)

      @DerekMatthews I do think it's time for Courtney to stand on her own two feet and not depend on Christopheror Joseph or anyone else for that matter to support her.Plus depending on what job she gets and who hires her there could be conflict.For example since i think Courtney was Christopher's assistant/secretary before they got together maybe she gets hired by Pamela to be her assistant at Westar.Plus Courtney working at Westar keeps her sort of in the orbit of the Ewings but in a different way.As for Alex, i hope he gets therapy and not just because of what he went through with been kidnapped by Shawn but for other reasons because Alex has gone through a lot in his life.

    • #125

      Trevor Campbell (Monday, 08 March 2021 12:16)

      lucia isn't all that hot. Courtney is way more attractive

    • #126

      Andrew Hass (Monday, 08 March 2021 12:22)

      #DerekMatthews The last thing John Ross and Justin may want is to cause a scene when they see Amanda again especially at Alex and Bridget's wedding and as you point out they both have moved on and so has Amanda.So i think Justin and John Ross might just say hello to Amanda when they see her and be cordial to her and not bring up the past.As for John Ross and Lila, i hope they try to have some sort of relationship as siblings but it would be ironic if just John Ross and Lila are connecting it comes out that John Ross blackmailed Lila's son Cory because Lila may not like that one bit when she finds out.

    • #127

      Andrew Hass (Monday, 08 March 2021 12:35)

      @TrevorCampbell Last time i checked Christopher has no legal rights to Jacob.So it might be up to Courtney to decide when and if Christopher gets to see Jacob.Now i don't think Courtney would stop Christopher from seeing Jacob if Jacob still wants to see Christopher but she might lay down some ground rules for Christopher where Jacob's concerned since she and Christopher are no longer together.

    • #128

      Derek Mathews (Monday, 08 March 2021 14:12)

      Trevor my man, Lucia is very attractive. Don’t get me wrong, Courtney is alright but compared to Lucia she’s average though. I think with Christopher being around her age, she may have more in common with him than Courtney is. And Courtney is what? 22? Joseph is 24? They might have more than common with each other.

    • #129

      Derek Mathews (Monday, 08 March 2021 14:27)

      LOL at the fact that you think John Ross and Justin are going to cause a scene. They both have moved on. It’s not going to be as big a deal as you think. These guys show up with their wives, they be cordial to her or whatever, and they will have no problems. They are not going to rake Amanda over the coals for something she did years ago. I doubt Jimmy and Dylan are going to do it either. They are not going to ruin Alex and Bridget’s wedding like that. The only way that stuff about John Ross blackmailing Cory comes out if he says something about it or Cory does. And John Ross went easy on his nephew. Cory did what John Ross wanted, John Ross is going to keep his nephews secret to himself.

    • #130

      Andrew Hass (Monday, 08 March 2021 14:30)

      #DerekMatthews I don't think age really matters as long as they love each other but that been said you make a good point in that Christopher may have more common with Lucia and Courtney might have more in common with Joseph because they're around similar ages.However i do wonder if the fact that Lucia has kids of her own might keep Christopher from jumping into a relationship with her because he might be worried about how her kids might react to him dating their mom.Also since i think Miguel is probably still in trhe hospital i could see Christopher telling Lucia that she needs to focus on Miguel for now because if and when he gets together Lucia Christopher may want to make sure he's not on the rebound from Courtney and that he can fully commit to Lucia.I also think Courtney needs space and maybe she lets Joseph take Jacob to California for a few days to give her time by herself to figure things out in regards to deciding where she wants her relationship with Joseph to go and whether or not she's ready to divorce Christopher.

    • #131

      Andrew Hass (Monday, 08 March 2021 14:41)

      @DerekMatthews Yes i agree that John Ross and Justin won't cause a scene when and if they run into Amanda but i could see Amanda been worried that John Ross and Justin might say something to Steven about her.Yes i know that Steven knows all about Amanda's past but Amanda could be worried that John Ross or Justin or someone might try to twist the facts and make her look bad in front of Steven because there might be other people besides John Ross and Justinwho might have a grudge against Amanda regarding her past behavior.As for Cory, eventually Cass and Lila are going to find out about him been gay and that he's dating Daniel and that he was kicked college and once that happens Cory may not have any reason not to reveal that John Ross blackmailed him.As for John Ross, i don't think he would have outed Cory if Cory had called his bluff about that and he might have just blackmailed Cory about him been kicked out college.

    • #132

      Derek Mathews (Monday, 08 March 2021 14:48)

      Andrew Hass, there was a reason why Courtney and Christopher never told Joseph he had a son and you must have for better it. Did you forget that Joseph was 21, and Courtney was 15? He was having sex with an underage girl. If Courtney had said Joseph was the real father, Joseph would have ended up in jail for having sex with an underage minor. That’s why they said Chase was the father. Facts are Courtney and Christopher were in a tough spot, that’s all. They didn’t want to lie but they really had no choice. And yes Courtney and Christopher are going to have to explain why Jacob will not be coming to Southfork as much either.

    • #133

      Andrew Hass (Monday, 08 March 2021 15:00)

      Yes i know that Joseph could have gotten into legal trouble if it came out that he slept with a 15 year old girl but i think Courtney claiming that Chase was Jacob's father caused even more problems.If Courtney didn't want to get Joseph into trouble for having sex with her she could have just claimed that she had sex with someone and she didn't know his name.Plus i can't remember but has Courtney apologized to Chase yet for letting him believe he was Jacob's father when she knew he wasn't.As for when Christopher and Courtney will sit Jacob down and tell him about them splitting up which i do think they need to do together i'm wondering how much they might tell him in terms of Courtney sleeping with Joseph because i think Christopher and Courtney had problems before Courtney slept with Joseph and i think it started when Courtney lost their baby.

    • #134

      Derek Mathews (Monday, 08 March 2021 15:11)

      Age factors in more than you realize. It’s about maturity. Christopher has 12 more years on Courtney. That means he is more mature than she is. He was way more life-experience and he has more relationship experience than her too. And yes, Courtney has a lot of growing up to do concerning where she is going to live, what job she is going to get, and how she is going to do things with Joseph concerning their relationship and co-parent relationship. Yes she let Jacob go to California with Joseph so she can get herself together. I don’t think the kids are the reason Christopher won’t want to be with Lucia. They have to establish expectations in a relationship or something because you are right they have to see if this was real and not a rebound. I think Christopher is ready to divorce Courtney because he’s tired of arguing with her, and I don’t blame him.

    • #135

      Derek Mathews (Monday, 08 March 2021 15:22)

      Well Courtney and Christopher losing their baby played a huge part in their relationship though. And yes Courtney did apologize to Chase though at the end of the day. Well when you backed into a corner, you don’t really think and I understand that though. I don’t think they will tell Jacob about Courtney sleeping with Joseph. They are going to keep that between the two of them. I don’t think Courtney ever forgave Christopher or Chase because their fighting caused that miscarriage.

    • #136

      Andrew Hass (Monday, 08 March 2021 15:36)

      Back in episode 160 For the Love Of A Brother aftCourtney did point out to Christopher the differences between them in terms of him been 12 or so years older than her and that he was more experienced and that he was with a lot of women before her and she felt like an inexperienced little girl compared to him but Christopher reassured her that those differences didn't matter.So it's not like these problems now between Christopher and Courtney regarding the age difference between them and him been more experienced came out of nowhere.As for Courtney letting Joseph take Jacob to California for few weeks could be a good thing becuase it could give her and Christopher time to deal with the end of their marriage and maybe filing divorce papers without worrying about how it will affect Jacob.That way when Jacob returns everything will be settled legally between Courtney and Christopher and they could even end their marriage on a good note and wish each other well.Plus while Jacob in in California with Joseph it could free Courtney up to find a job and a place for her and Jacob to live because i think it's too soon for her to live with Joseph.

    • #137

      Andrew Hass (Monday, 08 March 2021 15:43)

      I think Courtney losing the baby was sort of the beginning of the end for her and Christopher because as you pointed out Courtney may not have forgiven Christopher for fighting with Chase which caused her to lose the baby.Also i think Christopher and Courtney still love each other but they may want different things and that if they continue to hold onto their marriage that no longer works and they continue to fight they might destroy all the good memories they made together.,Also i wonder if for Jacob's sake Courtney may not want to jump into a relationship with Joseph because she may not want to get Jacob's hopes that his parents are going to be together only to dash them later.So i could see Courtney wanting to take things slow with Joseph and them getting to know each other.

    • #138

      Derek Mathews (Monday, 08 March 2021 15:49)

      I honestly don’t think its going to be all that dramatic. Justin and John Ross just got though saving Alex and going through all this hell that Shawn Smith put them through. Justin and John Ross are going to be worried about their families. Justin worried about Alex, and then what his wife Pamela is going through. Then John Ross is going to be worried about Alex too. He’s going to be worried about Krystina, Charlie, and his other children. If Amanda is worried they will say something. I doubt they will. I doubt they will twist anything either.

    • #139

      Andrew Hass (Monday, 08 March 2021 15:58)

      Regarding John Ross and Justin not wanting Charlie to go with them and Clay in their search for Alex and Shawn i think that was a good thing because i think Charlie going with them might have made things worse and not because she's a woman and couldn't handle the terrain.My point is if Charlie had gone with John Ross, Justin and Clay she might not have been able to keep her emotions in check if she had seen Alex and Shawn.She might have tried to run towards Alex and that could have put her in danger because of Shawn having a gun and who knows what he might have done if he saw Charlie running towards him and Alex.

    • #140

      Derek Mathews (Monday, 08 March 2021 16:15)

      Well in a way Courtney still is an experienced little girl. She is. Shes 22 years old. Trust me, if she was like six or seven years old, their age difference wouldn’t really be a big deal though. Well I think he was in denial about that. Because he’s 34 and he works at Ewing Oil and Courtney hasn’t had a lot of work experience either. So she doesn’t have a lot of relationship experience or career experience, that’s why I say she has a lot of growing up to do at the end of the day. Christopher was with Pamela Rebecca, Amanda, Elena, Heather, and Erin before he met Courtney. I see Courtney and Christopher just getting divorced and moving on at the end of the day. Then they can be with their crushes or at least see how the grass is greener on the other side though. And Courtney needs to be independent woman with a car, place, and so on. Maybe working at Westar when Pamela gets better well work out for her but if she does, she needs to be careful of Jeremy Wendell. And I hope if the job does happen that Pamela will tell Courtney to stay away from her.

    • #141

      Derek Mathews (Monday, 08 March 2021 16:23)

      Well that’s why in those situations, they are better suited for men, not women. Of course Charlie couldn’t handle her emotions though. If she would have saw Shawn, she would have lost it. But with Clay, Justin, and John Ross there they were able to keep their cool all at one time. Charlie would have gotten shot herself if she would have went at Shawn.

    • #142

      Andrew Hass (Monday, 08 March 2021 17:03)

      I agree that Christopher was probably in denial about the differences between him and Courtney and he may have thought as long as they loved each other the differences didn't matter.Plus if i remember correctly Christopher got together with Courtney almost right after Erin told him that she was getting back together with her ex-husband.So maybe he learned from his past mistakes now ad wait a bit after ending things with Courtney before getting together with Lucia to make sure that he's not on the rebound and to make sure he does have feelings for Lucia.Plus i wouldn't be surprised if maybe Christopher gives Courtney some money to keep her and Jacob afloat until she finds a job and she could always pay Christopher back once she's got a job and settled.As for Courtney and what kind of job she might get maybe Lila could hire her if Lila starts a business and that way Courtney could interact with different characters.

    • #143

      Andrew Hass (Monday, 08 March 2021 17:12)

      Plus i'm wondering if John Ross, Justin and Clay knew that Shawn wasn't going to give up without a fight and that since Shawn had nothing to lose he was very dangerous and capable of anything.So John Ross, Justin and Clay probably didn't want Charlie with them just in case there was violence because they may not have wanted her to see it because they may have known Shawn would rather be dead than go to prison and he may not have cared who else he took down with him.

    • #144

      Derek Mathews (Tuesday, 09 March 2021 09:55)

      A blind man could see that coming. Shawn was dangerous the minute he raped and killed and did all this kidnapping. That’s just off the wall crazy. Of course Shawn wasn’t going to give up without a fight, he lost everything and those people are very dangerous though. And that’s my point. That was why John Ross told Charlie to stay at the hotel and everything.

    • #145

      Derek Mathews (Tuesday, 09 March 2021 10:07)

      I hope that Christopher has learned from mistakes and yes I do expect Christopher to give her money to stay on her fight at the end of the day, and everything. Yes maybe Lila could give Courtney a job and I would have really liked it to work it out with Heather because he seemed to have the most chemistry with her. Elena and him were just flat out boring. No chemistry whatsoever.

    • #146

      Parker Bena (Tuesday, 09 March 2021 11:49)

      I sensed an attraction between Christopher and Lucia in TNT Dallas. I think she was hot for him then and she is just a shot for him now, especially since her scumbag husband is dead. Here's an idea for a scene: Christopher and Lucia are having lunch and a photographer spots them, but really spots her. He starts snapping pictures and a misunderstanding ensues. Christopher and the photographer have a physical confrontation, but the misunderstanding is cleared up and Lucia is offered a contract as a model. Maybe the photographer's name could be Alex Ward, Jr.

    • #147

      Derek Mathews (Wednesday, 10 March 2021 04:01)

      I don’t ever remember them in any scenes together at the end of the day, and everything. So I don’t know about Dallas and TNT and everything. It’s interesting though, and everything.

    • #148

      Andrew Hass (Thursday, 11 March 2021 08:29)

      Regarding Christopher and Lucia, i think they each have things to deal with before they even consider having a relationship.Christopher may want to settle things with Courtney first in terms of divorce and making sure he's truly over her before he even considers getting involved with Lucia or any other woman for that matter.As for Lucia, she has her kids to deal with because Miguel is probably still in the hospital.So i could see Christopher and Lucia agreeing to wait to get together until things in their lives are more settled.

    • #149

      Andrew Hass (Thursday, 11 March 2021 08:39)

      @DerekMatthews In a weird way maybe Courtney and Christopher breaking up might be a good thing for the character of Courtney because it could free her up to interact with other characters that maybe she wouldn't have interacted with if she was still with Christopher.Plus no longer been married to Christopher and no longer relying on him could make Courtney more independent and maybe less reluctant to jump into a relationship with Joseph because she might enjoy been on her alone for a bit.Also it could be interesting if Joseph when he learns that Christopher and Courtney have broken up thinks he and Courtney then can be together but Courtney may want to wait before they get involved and she may want to wait until Jacob has adjusted to been off Southfork and all the other changes in his life,

    • #150

      Parker Bena (Thursday, 11 March 2021 09:40)

      @Derek Matthews In real life, Lucy Hale (the actress who "plays" Courtney) is 31. With regard to the Amanda thing, you're right. John Ross and Justin have BOTH made serious upgrades. Why settle for a Chevette when you can have a Rolls? But, in all fairness to Amanda, I hope she has finally found someone she can be happy and settle down with.

    • #151

      Andrew Hass (Thursday, 11 March 2021 09:50)

      I also hope Amanda has found someone she can be happy with and who she loves and who loves her back and maybe Amanda has learned from her past mistakes and is a better person now.Plus regarding Justin and John Ross, i'm wondering when and if Amanda sees them she might want to talk to them and clear the air between them once and for all.Plus since John Ross and Justin have both moved on they might be willing the bury the hatchet with Amanda and wish her well.

    • #152

      Parker Bena (Thursday, 11 March 2021 16:21)

      @Andrew Haas Now THAT is a good response and you're right, maybe they can all wish each other well and bury the hatchet.....just not in each other. As for Charlie, yes, she and John Ross do share the common bond of a son and that's ALL they share. If Charlie thinks she can go after John Ross the way Jenna went after his Uncle Bobby, then she's got another think coming. If, for one minute, Krystina even suspects that Charley is trying to steal her husband, then Charlie better, as we used to say in the Navy, stand by to stand by. Krystina will tear her ass apart. John Ross loves Krystina and she, in turn, loves him and will fight to the death for him.

    • #153

      Parker Bena (Thursday, 11 March 2021 16:39)

      When and IF Emma Ryland (or Barnes) ever gets out of prison, if she's thinking about about trying to take Lucas away from Heather, she's got another think coming too. Heather's as tough as they come. She's a Texas cowgirl and she will tear Emma a new one.

    • #154

      Andrew Hass (Thursday, 11 March 2021 17:04)

      I don't think Charlie is romantically interested in John Ross.Yes Charlie and John Ross will always share a bond because of Alex and they're friends but i think that's far as it will go between them.However that been said i do think Charlie might be ready to date and even fall in love again but there are other men besides John Ross who are single she could get romantically involved with.Now that been said if John Ross was single then maybe Charlie might be interested in him but i don't see Charlie going after him while he's happily married to Krystina.As for Emma, i'm sure she's going to get out of prison sooner rather than later but i'm wondering when and if Emma gets out of prison there might be stipulations regarding her release.For example maybe she gets to get a job as part of her release and she might get supervised visitation regarding Logan.

    • #155

      Derek Mathews (Thursday, 11 March 2021 17:10)

      Relax Parker Bena Emma has no chance taking Lucas from Heather. I don’t know if they are past the honeymoon phase yet but that’s going to be really something at the end of the day. I don’t doubt Heather should kick Emma’s ass. But I think Emma could hold her own. Shes a lot stronger than she looks.

    • #156

      Derek Mathews (Thursday, 11 March 2021 17:27)

      I didn’t know Lucy Hale is 31 though. And yes when it comes to the upgrades Parker Bena why settle for a Chevette when you settle for a Rolls Royce? I get it though. I hope she makes Stephen happy as well. Honestly I don’t think it’s going to be as dramatic as people are making it out to be?

    • #157

      Derek Mathews (Thursday, 11 March 2021 17:36)

      Well of course because that way Courtney can get a job or do and start depending on herself instead of depending on a man though. She can now be independent, get her own car, her own place, her own everything. She needs that at the end of the day.

    • #158

      Andrew Hass (Friday, 12 March 2021 04:43)

      Plus Courtney becoming independent and getting a job might make her attractive to other men and not just to Joseph.I don't know much about Courtney's past but has she been with other men besides Chase, Joseph and Christopher?So it could be interesting to see how Courtney might react if other men besides Joseph become interested in her and it could be interesting to see how Joseph might react if other men become interested in Courtney or if Courtney becomes interested in someone besides him.Also i think before Courtney and Joseph get together they need to make sure things regarding Jacob is made legal in terms of Joseph's legal rights towards Jacob because that way if things don't work out between them Joseph's rights towards Jacob are protected and even though i don't think she would Courtney wouldn't be able to keep Joseph from seeing Jacob then.

    • #159

      Trevor Campbell (Sunday, 28 March 2021 17:43)

      can't wait to see the fallout from shawn's death and how it affects everyone

    • #160

      Parker Bena (Friday, 02 April 2021 10:07)

      I think everybody's going to be glad that the scumbag's dead.

    • #161

      Parker Bena (Saturday, 03 April 2021 20:54)

      Yeah I think everybody is going to be glad that scumbag is dead too. But despite that, it’s going to be awhile before things get back to normal. I think they will all be affected though.

    • #162

      Andrew Hass (Sunday, 04 April 2021 10:21)

      I agree that it could be awhile before things get back to normal because Shawn's actions affected a lot of characters and it could be interesting to see how certain characters get closure.As for Pamela, i don't think it's for good for her to stay at her apartment because that's where Shawn raped her and the apartment holds other bad memories too.So maybe Justin, Pamela and the kids should move into Justin's ranch because they can create happy memories there and not be reminded of bad memories.Plus with the kids getting older Pamela and Justin and their family might need a bigger place.

    • #163

      Yvb (Wednesday, 07 April 2021 11:11)

      I have but one question..........when is the next episode?????