Who killed J.R.?

Who killed J.R.? That’s the mystery propelling “Dallas” through the rest of its second season as a TNT revival. And that question hangs heavy in the upcoming episode (airing Monday at 9 p.m.), which confirms the sad truth every viewer knew was coming: Glorious scoundrel J.R. Ewing has died, after decades of living-on-the-edge infamy dating back at least to 1980.

J.R. Ewing wouldn't hesitate to cheat his fellow man. He also famously cheated death.
J.R. Ewing wouldn't hesitate to cheat his fellow man. He also famously cheated death.
J.R. Ewing was a business cheat, faithless husband and bottomless well of corruption. Yet with his sparkling grin, Larry Hagman masterfully created the charmingly loathsome oil baron _ and coaxed forth a Texas-size gusher of ratings _ on television's long-running and hugely successful nighttime soap, "Dallas."

J.R. Ewing was a business cheat, faithless husband and bottomless well of corruption. Yet with his sparkling grin, Larry Hagman masterfully created the charmingly loathsome oil baron — and coaxed forth a Texas-size gusher of ratings — on the long-running and hugely successful nighttime TV soap "Dallas."

Mister Rogers is joining scientist Carl Sagan and the snuggie in the pantheon of unlikely viral sensations.
J.R. Ewing has returned to Dallas.
J.R. Ewing has returned to Dallas.