The eighth season of Dallas is now available on DVD! And by the eighth season, I really mean the seventh season. Warner insisted on branding the Miniseries as Season 1, but as far as I’m concerned, the 1978-79 season is season 1, making this season seven. However, for the purposes of the review, I will simply refer to it as season eight from here onward to avoid confusing people -- namely myself.

I will be perfectly honest -- this season, the “eighth,” is where I start to get a little disinterested by some of Dallas’ goings on. Most of the show is still fairly solid, but there are some moments that are surreal even by the standards of 1980’s soaps. It has its uneven moments, but it’s still largely a good show episode to episode.

The biggest news for the season, cast-wise, was the replacement of Barbara Bel Geddes in the role of Miss Ellie by longtime actress Donna Reed. Reaction to this change has always been considered mixed at best. Personally, as I’ll no doubt mention a couple more times, I wasn’t a fan. Your mileage may vary. Otherwise, the principal cast remains largely unchanged.

Credited in the opening for season eight are, in alphabetical order: Patrick Duffy as Bobby, Linda Gray as Sue Ellen, Larry Hagman as JR, Susan Howard as Donna, Steve Kanaly as Ray, Howard Keel as Clayton, Ken Kercheval as Cliff, Priscilla Presley as Jenna, Victoria Principal as Pam, Donna Reed as Miss Ellie, and Charlene Tilton as Lucy (Donna Reed was added to the opening credits mid-season).

Read our review by Seth here:
http://www.sitcomsonline.com/dallasseason8dvdreview.html

Please post any questions or comments about this set.