Previously:
We've covered the TV phenomenon Dallas several times before and will continue to do so. With a world wide reach, a long network run, multiple series, TV movies and tons of merchandise, there's no limit to the amount of acclaim and celebration generated by the franchise.
But in the 70's and 80's there was one honor that stood out above the rest. Dallas became a genuine legend when it was not only parodied, but made the cover of MAD Magazine:
At the time, very few movies, TV shows and celebrities would find themselves safe from being skewered by the popular lampoon magazine. The Dallas parody was written by Lou Silverstone with art by Mort Drucker, both of them Mad Magazine legends. As usual, it begins with the main cast introducing themselves:
The "plot," such as it is, involves J.R. (or "J.D." rather) trying to pull off a land swindle while being stymied by his wife and mother. All the while, he's being chastised by hie family, pondering the paternity of his son, "interviewing" new secretaries and firing his six shooter in the air as display of his dominance.
During the course of plotting his scheme "J.D." is constantly being told what a slimy schemer he is by just about everyone he sees. After getting "Sullen" (Sue Ellen) committed, he then proceeds to send "Jerk" (Jock) and "Miss Nelly" (Miss Ellie) on a fake vacation ("Fakation"?) so that he'll be free to develop that land that's he's trying to buy (or whatever).
A few gags later, "J.D." ends up on top, as usual. With his schemes successful and his enemies thwarted, there's nothing left to do but aim higher. Looks like some politicians of the day want to court him for a presidential run:
As a post script to this story, I'll add that the idea of J.R. Ewing running for president was considered a few other times. It was a great promotional stunt for the show if you're lucky, maybe you'll run across a campaign button or one of these old matchbook covers:
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