Bro code
In “Love Stories,” a seventh-season “Dallas” episode, Bobby (Patrick Duffy) enters the Southfork living room, where J.R. (Larry Hagman) is fixing himself a drink.
BOBBY: Is there some reason you didn’t come into work today? I wanted to talk to you.
J.R.: And a good evening to you too, Bob. Want a drink?
BOBBY: No.
J.R.: That sounds serious. Something happen?
BOBBY: Katherine Wentworth.
J.R.: Yeah, what about her?
BOBBY: What’d you do to her?
J.R.: A gentleman never kisses and tells.
BOBBY: Does the same gentleman make tape recordings in bed?
J.R.: Did she say I did that?
BOBBY: She said that you blackmailed her with them, that you played them for me.
J.R.: I swear I’m beginning to think that whole Barnes-Wentworth clan is paranoid. [Turns to face him] Did I play a tape for you?
BOBBY: No, but she thinks you did. Why do you mess with people’s minds like that?
J.R.: Bob, do you care if I spend a couple of pleasant moments with Katherine?
BOBBY: I don’t give a damn what you do, as long as it doesn’t hurt other people.
J.R.: You mean Katherine? [Takes a sip]
BOBBY: I mean Sue Ellen too. What happens when she finds out?
J.R.: Well, I’m sure not going to tell her. And I don’t think you will either. Bob, it’s time we had a little brother to brother talk.
BOBBY: I think we just had it. [Turns to leave]
J.R.: No, no. I don’t mean about me. I mean about you.
BOBBY: And what makes you think you’re qualified?
J.R.: [Slowly circles Bobby] Well, I’m no saint, but I know one when I see one. Bobby, you go around telling everybody how to live their lives and setting up rules and regulations that only you can live up to.
BOBBY: You know, this is wonderful coming from you.
J.R.: Well, I’ve made some mistakes in my life, but not the kind of mistake you’re about to make.
BOBBY: And what mistake is that?
J.R.: Jenna Wade. She loves you, Bob. And so does her little girl. She’d make you a wonderful wife—if you’d just let her.
BOBBY: It’s none of your business.
J.R.: The hell it’s not. When Jenna jilted you, you made the tragic mistake of your life when you married Pam. But you’re free of her now. At least you ought to be. She’s marrying Mark Graison, and I think that’s best thing in the world for you.
BOBBY: You know, your concern for me is truly touching — if concern is what it is.
J.R.: Well, whatever my reasons, what I’m saying makes sense. You should have married Jenna a long time ago, Bob. You’ve known each other since you were kids. And she was more like us than Pam ever was. And she’s willing to wait for you, but she’s not going to wait forever. Now if I’m wrong, just tell me. [Walks toward Jock’s painting, faces it]
BOBBY: I’d love to. But for once, you may be right. I just wonder why you bother.
J.R.: Because I care. [Turns to face him] That’s what brothers are for. [Raises his glass] To love and marriage.
