The Early Years of Jock Ewing: Dale Midkiff and the DNA of Television Drama

Introduction

The character of Jock Ewing in the iconic TV series Dallas has been portrayed by many talented actors since the show’s inception. However, one crucial era of Dallas featured Dale Midkiff, who played a pivotal role in the made-for-TV movie Dallas - The Early Years. Additionally, Jim Davis, a skilled actor, had his own share of memorable performances, particular in the 1970s when he starred in the first “adult” western on television.

The Role of Dale Midkiff in Dallas - The Early Years

Dallas - The Early Years is a pivotal moment in the rich history of the Dallas series, premiering in 1986. This made-for-TV film serves as an origin story for the iconic character of Jock Ewing. In this role, Dale Midkiff brought a young and romantic Jock to life, deftly navigating the early challenges and romantic entanglements of the character.

Dale Midkiff, a versatile actor, demonstrated his range in this role. His portrayal of Jock Ewing in this early stage of the character’s development was nothing short of gripping. Key scenes, such as his romantic interest in Ellie Southworth, showcased the depth of emotions and complex relationships that would eventually define Jock’s later iterations in the series.

Impressed viewers and critics alike with his ability to capture the essence of Jock, a character who would go on to become one of the most enduring figures in television history. The film’s success paved the way for subsequent seasons of Dallas, where more renowned actors took over the role of Jock.

Jim Davis: The First “Adult” Western on TV

Beyond his role in Dallas - The Early Years, Dale Midkiff’s early career was marked by a significant milestone in television history. In the 1970s, Jim Davis, another notable actor, starred in the series that would forever alter the landscape of Western television. Stories of the Century, which aired from 1975 to 1977, was the first “adult” western on television, setting a precedent for more mature and nuanced storytelling in the genre.

In this groundbreaking series, Davis played the role of Matt Clark, a railroad cop who pursued outlaws and other notables in the Old West, with a vigilante streak to his character. Recreating the world of the Wild West, Stories of the Century drew on factual events and historical characters, such as Joaquin Murrieta, Tom Horn, Cherokee Bill, and even Crazy Horse.

Interestingly, while the series was designed to be a “historical” account, the show significantly elevated the level of violence and, in some cases, graphical content, particularly in terms of sexual violence. This made Stories of the Century a smoother transition for viewers than many had anticipated, marking a turning point for westerns on television.

Jim Davis’s portrayal of Matt Clark, while filled with the rugged and adventurous spirit of the Old West, also underscored the new direction television was taking at the time. This bold direction set a significant precedent for future westerns, blending historical authenticity with a more mature narrative style.

Conclusion

The television industry has undergone numerous transformations since the early days of programming. Both Dale Midkiff in Dallas - The Early Years and Jim Davis in Stories of the Century played crucial roles in defining these eras. Their contributions to the evolution of television drama highlight the significance of early moments in the history of television.

These performances not only reflected the changing times and societal norms but also paved the way for future generations of actors and writers in the industry. Whether it’s the early romantic entanglements in Dallas or the complex moral questions raised in Stories of the Century, these early moments in television drama are worth revisiting and analyzing.

Keywords: Dale Midkiff, Dallas, Jim Davis, Jack Ewing, Western TV, Sexual Violence on TV