Dallas had been experiencing incredible success with suspense drama, the only real rival coming from the series Dynasty. In fact, Dynasty had taken away the number one slot in the ratings, and new shows presented a challenge for Southfork. Season 8, which aired in 1985-1986, proved to be a season in which the crew and cast needed a new twist to draw back viewers.

In the prior season, actor Patrick Duffy had wanted to be removed from the series, so his character, Bobby Ewing, was killed in an auto accident. New people were added to the cast. Was this good for the series? Certain people didn't think so, and as the season opened, we see the Ewing family returning to Southfork from the hospital. Bobby had died there, so the emotions were high. Miss Ellie asked J.R. to help calm the family. J.R. insisted on a new fight with Sue Ellen. Sue Ellen eventually goes on another drinking binge.

One of the new characters, Angelica Nero, played by South American actress Barbara Carrera, wanted to involve J.R. in an assasination attempt, which was somehow discovered beforehand and therefore was not completed. Angelica Nero then kills the people who turned on her and disappears forever. I guess her welcome was already over from the original cast members. Oh, but wait. Angelica returns in the season finale to kill Jack and J.R. with bombs at Ewing Oil.

On May 16, 1986 it all comes to a crashing conclusion as Pamela Barnes Ewing awakens in her bed. She hears the shower running in the bathroom, and she supposes it's her new husband, Mark Graison. As she enters, the miracle of miracles occurs and Bobby Ewing turns around to greet his wife. The entire 1985-1986 season of Dallas had just been one, long dream, never in existence.