Ep 11. Waterloo at Southfork

When it comes to dramatic twists and turns, few television shows have ever been able to top "Dallas." This legendary series, which aired on CBS from 1978 to 1991, follows the trials and tribulations of the wealthy Ewing family, who are embroiled in seemingly endless feuds, scandals, and power struggles. Season 5, episode 11, titled "Waterloo at Southfork," is a prime example of the show's high-stakes drama and complex character dynamics.

The episode opens with a tense conversation between J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman) and his business partner, the nefarious Angelica Nero (Barbara Carrera). Their oil venture in the Middle East is in trouble, and J.R. is starting to suspect that Angelica is not entirely reliable. Meanwhile, Bobby Ewing (Patrick Duffy) is focused on his own problems, trying to keep his marriage to his wife Pam (Victoria Principal) intact despite their recent estrangement.

But the real drama of the episode comes from the ongoing feud between J.R. and his old nemesis, Cliff Barnes (Ken Kercheval). The two men have been at odds for years, with Barnes constantly trying to get revenge against the Ewings for what he sees as their mistreatment of his family. In "Waterloo at Southfork," Barnes discovers that J.R. has been embezzling money from the family business, and decides to use this information to his advantage.

As the episode progresses, tensions escalate between the two rivals, with Barnes becoming more and more determined to bring J.R. down once and for all. Meanwhile, the rest of the Ewing family is caught in the middle of the feud, with Bobby trying to keep the peace and their mother, Miss Ellie (Barbara Bel Geddes), struggling with her own personal demons. There are also a number of subplots involving other members of the family, including Lucy (Charlene Tilton), who is dealing with her own marital problems, and Ray (Steve Kanaly), who is trying to make a name for himself as a rancher.

Ultimately, the episode builds to a tense climax that sees Barnes and J.R. facing off in a brutal showdown. With the fate of the Ewing family hanging in the balance, the two men engage in a high-stakes game of wits, betrayals, and shocking reveals. The final moments of the episode leave the viewer on the edge of their seat, wondering what will happen next.

Overall, "Waterloo at Southfork" is a classic episode of "Dallas" that showcases the show's trademark blend of high drama, intense emotions, and complex character dynamics. It's not easy to follow along if you haven't watched the preceding episodes, but if you're a fan of the show, it's a must-see.