DAILY DIRT: Oh, for the days of Abby, Alexis and J.R. They’re gone, but hardly forgotten

April 2, 2025 | By Steve Eighinger, Muddy River News Minister of Culture and Doctor of Love

Larry Hagman's J.R. Ewing was one of the best characters in television history.

Daily Dirt for Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Will there ever be another “Knots Landing?” … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 1,246 of The Daily Dirt

1. If pressed, I think we would admit we all loved them.

Remember the days when primetime soap operas ruled the nightly network TV roost? I’m pretty sure I’m still in love with Donna Mills of “Knots Landing,” and who didn’t root against Alexis Colby (Joan Collins) on “Dynasty” and J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman) on “Dallas?” Ahh … those were the days. They may be gone, but they’ll never be forgotten.

And for those old enough to remember, the nighttime soaps actually had their roots way back in the 1960s with “Peyton Place”. Even though the show was in black-and-white, the plot lines were, at times, just as tawdry.

Here’s the Daily Dirt staff’s picks for the top 10 from that tacky but oh-so-entertaining genre:

1. “Knots Landing” (1979-93): Donna Mills’ portrayal of Abby Ewing/Cunningham was, is and will always be the stuff of legends. What a tramp! And I mean that in the best of ways.

2. “Yellowstone” (2018-24): If this incredibly delightful show had not endured such frustrating periods of downtime between some of the latter seasons I would have ranked it No. 1. Beth Dutton is/was a modern-day version of Donna Mills’ Abby. The gradual emergence of Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) as a genuine star was arguably the most pleasing aspect of the series’ show’s progression.

2. “Dallas” (1978-91): Remember all the hullabaloo over “Who shot J.R.?”

3. “Dynasty” (1981-89): ABC’s answer to “Dallas” on CBS, this show’s formula for success was easy. Two words: Joan. Collins.

4. “Beverly Hills 90210 (1990-2000): An extraordinary cast that worked well together, anchored by Jason Priestley, Jennie Garth, Gabrielle Carteris and the late Shannon Doherty, elevated this Fox show to must-see status.

5. “Melrose Place” (1992-99): Years after the Fox show ended, star Heather Locklear dated and even got engaged to former leading man Jack Wagner, who’d played her love/hate interest on the show.

6. “Peyton Place” (1964-69): The show was all about a small town with big secrets. The exit of rising star (at the time) Mia Farrow, wound up being a death knell for the popular ABC program.

7. “Soap” (1977-81): Little-known fact: ABC wanted the writers to change the last name of character Burt Campbell to avoid any negative association with potential sponsor Campbell’s Soup.

8. “Twin Peaks” (1990-91): Yeah, it was weird and downright strange. And, yes, it only aired for two seasons, but my oh my … what a concept.

9. Dawson’s Creek (1998-2003): This WB show was highly controversial at the time due to its plot and dialogue that featured storylines about high school students’ affairs with faculty members and teens sleeping together. James Van Der Beek and Katie Holmes wound up being the two biggest stars to emerge from the weekly lineup.

10. Falcon Crest (1981-90): Robert Foxworth, who played Chase Gioberti, turned down the role of J.R. Ewing on “Dallas“.

2. Did you know (Part 321)

That in 1995, San Diego’s Tony Gwynn had 15 strikeouts in 585 at-bats. Boston’s Rafael Devers had 15 strikeouts in his first 19 at-bats this season.
That the lowest point of the chin’s official name is the “gnathion”.
That dentures were first called “substitooths”. (Yes, I’m kidding, but that could have been a genius marketing move.)
That actor Joaquin Phoenix’s sisters are named Rain and Liberty.
That the official name for your big toe is the “hallux”.

3. Here’s Part 3 of “If They Were Still Alive Today … “

George Michael would be 61.

Freddie Mercury would be 78.

Patrick Swayze would be 72.

Stuart Scott would be 59.

Princess Diana would be 63.

John Belushi would be 76.

Bob Marley would be 80.

Marvin Gaye would be 85.

Chris Farley would be 61.

Robin Williams would be 73.

Steve Thought O’ The Day — Did you know that in Hawaii it is illegal to laugh loudly? You have to keep it to A Lo Ha.