A desperate plea
In “Sue Ellen’s Choice,” a third-season “Dallas” episode, Jock (Jim Davis) fixes a drink in J.R.’s office while Donna Culver (Susan Howard) sits on the sofa.
JOCK: It isn’t often anymore that a pretty girl like you calls and asks for an appointment. What can I do for you? [Rests on the desk’s edge]
DONNA: [Rises] It’s about Ray, Jock.
JOCK: Ray?
DONNA: Ray Krebbs. We’ve been seeing each other since Sam died.
JOCK: [Nods] Yes, I heard.
DONNA: I’m sorry. This is embarrassing. [Smiles]
JOCK: Well, now don’t be embarrassed. Something upset you enough to bring you here. What is it?
DONNA: Ray and I were planning on getting married as soon as it seemed respectable. And now, all of a sudden, he’s changed his mind. I want you to talk to him.
JOCK: Well, Donna, there just isn’t a whole lot that I can do about that.
DONNA: You don’t understand. He’s got some crazy idea that he’s not good enough for me. You know him, Jock. You know him better than anybody. You’ve been like a father to him. He respects you. He thinks the whole world of you. And I just want you to tell him that he’s good enough for anybody, anybody at all. Because I know he’d listen to you.
JOCK: Ray’s a pretty smart boy, Donna.
DONNA: Does that mean you won’t talk to him? [Smiles]
JOCK: I never even told my own boys how to live their lives, Donna. I can’t start with Ray.
DONNA: Jock, we love each other.
JOCK: Yes, yes, I believe you do. But Donna, a good marriage is based on a much more solid foundation than that.
DONNA: [Smiles] Well, I’m sorry if I bothered you.
JOCK: You didn’t bother me, Donna. Just wish I could’ve helped you, that’s all.
DONNA: I know. [Puts on her coat, grabs her purse, opens the door, faces Jock]
JOCK: Bye.
DONNA: Goodbye.
