Ep 1. Changing of the Guard

The show Dallas (2012) season 1 episode 1 named “Changing of the Guard'' is the perfect start to a thrilling and dramatic series that captures the essence of the original Dallas from the ‘80s. The episode introduces us to the Ewing family, a wealthy and powerful oil tycoon family based in Dallas, Texas.

The show begins with the patriarch of the family, Jock Ewing, passing away, leaving his two sons, John Ross and Bobby Ewing, to fight for control of the family’s billion-dollar business. John Ross is portrayed as ambitious and cunning, and will stop at nothing to take over the company from his more principled, morally upright brother Bobby. John is pretty much the black sheep of the family, while Bobby is loved and respected by all.

The first episode delves deep into the family's dynamic and internal conflicts. The Ewings are known for their antagonistic relationships with other business families in Dallas, most notably, the Barnes family. Christopher, Bobby's adopted son, and the offspring of one of J.R.'s affairs, is trying to introduce green energy technology to the Ewing empire, much to the disgust of his uncle John, who would rather cling to the old ways of oil extraction.

The series’ main theme is power, corruption, and wealth, and how those things can tear a family apart. Bobby tries his best to keep the peace within the family while still managing the empire in a just and ethical manner, but he soon realizes that he has little control over his own flesh and blood. To make matters worse, John's girlfriend, Elena, has a long and complicated history with both of the Ewing brothers, which leads to an extra layer of tension.

The episode is incredibly well-paced and packed with drama and intrigue from beginning to end. The writing is superb, as it manages to lay out several storylines while still introducing the characters and their struggles effectively and without leaving the audience feeling confused. In a particularly intense scene, Bobby attempts to reconcile with his ex-wife, Pam, who is now married to John’s father-in-law, Cliff Barnes, the Ewing’s biggest rival in the oil business. This scene is a nod to the original series’ storyline, which saw Bobby and Pam separated due to infidelity allegations.

The cinematography of the show is stunning, capturing the sprawling and sun-soaked landscapes of Texas perfectly. The show seamlessly transitions from the offices and boardrooms of the Ewing empire to the vast oil rigs and ranches in the Texan countryside. The music of the show perfectly complements the dynamic visuals, highlighting the intense and powerful emotions of the characters.

As the episode concludes and John Ross’s schemes come to fruition, it is evident that the Ewing family’s troubles are only just beginning. The Changing of the Guard marks the beginning of a long and convoluted battle for power, with betrayals, alliances and hidden agendas at every turn. The show does an excellent job of subverting expectations, with even the most virtuous of characters having their own dark shadows that they must confront.

In conclusion, the Dallas (2012) season 1 episode 1, Changing of the Guard, is an exciting and expertly written start to a series that lives up to its namesake in every way. It manages to stay true to the themes that made the original series so iconic while updating it for a modern audience. The episode sets up complex character dynamics and keeps the audience on the edge of their seats with anticipation for the next chapter in the Ewing family saga.