2.21 "Royal Marriage" Trivia Quiz

Answer: Go back to his place

Lucy's main focus in her life was to assure herself that someone - often, anyone - loved her. At this point in the series, "Dallas" was still relatively young; it was still in its second season. Yet, we had already seen Lucy demonstrate her yearning for love many times.

This had often been manifested as a physical affection long before any real love could grow. True to that character, Lucy was ready to go to bed with this latest boyfriend.

Answer: Kit Mainwaring

Kit Mainwaring was the only son - thus heir - to Mainwaring Oil. Mainwaring Oil was an independent oil company from Texas much like Ewing Oil. J.R. had tried (and, failed) many times to involve Mainwaring Oil in his power-plays in the oil business. Mr. Mainwaring viewed J.R. as an undesirable business partner. Lucy's interest in Kit gave J.R. illusions of many wonderful possibilities; wonderful for J.R. and Ewing Oil, that is.

Answer: Mark Wheeler

Mark Wheeler did have parts in the movies mentioned in the question and was often described as one of (director) Ron Howard's "favorite actors". He had already been seen in episodes of other TV shows ("Room 222", "Columbo" and "McCloud", for example) before this episode of "Dallas".

This episode aired in 1979 when its subject material was still very new for television broadcast. Mark Wheeler was serious, sensitive and superb as he played the role of Kit Mainwaring.

Answer: Sue Ellen "asleep" on their bed, fully dressed, (almost) empty liquor bottle on the bedside table

We the viewing audience were led to believe Sue Ellen had drunk enough liquor to pass out. We saw a very pregnant and fully dressed Sue Ellen sprawled across the bed in the bedroom she and J.R. shared. J.R. removed her shoes with a jerk of each and roughly tossed the bed covers over her. Was he embarrassed that his wife would behave in such a way? Was he worried about her health? Was he worried about the health of her unborn child? Who could say about J.R.?

Answer: His father

Mr. Mainwaring seemed to be a rather straight-laced man. He told Kit of his expectations - find the right girl, settle down, run the Mainwaring Oil, oversee the Mainwaring ranch, etc. In was evident those were the things Kit struggled with the most. Kit was very uncomfortable talking with his dad and did his best to end the conversation.

In this scene we heard a wonderful line from Mr. Mainwaring, though. It was: "I'm not over fond of the Ewings, as you know. In my opinion they don't come much worse than J.R." I would imagine Mr. Mainwaring was not alone in his assessment.

Answer: At a gala at Southfork, with both families in attendance

The Ewings hosted a lovely formal party at Southfork and, of course, the Mainwarings had been included. The evening had scarcely begun when two pivotal scenes occurred. One, Lucy and Kit announced their engagement and forthcoming wedding and, two, (a very drunk) Sue Ellen was escorted "upstairs" by Pam and Miss Ellie. These parties at Southfork were never at a loss for drama!

Answer: He was homosexual

From the lingering looks and tense smiles, it certainly seemed the friend of Kit's, named Sam, had meant more to Kit than just a "roommate" when he and Lucy saw him (Sam) at a disco. Then when Kit slept with Lucy and he still felt Lucy was "fun to be with" - and, no more - we, the viewing audience, knew there must be more to Kit's back story than just the pains of a wealthy kid finding his own independence. Kit's dilemma was he did actually care for Lucy but he knew he could never be all that she needed.

He only hoped that Bobby would understand and, possibly, offer him some advice as to how to tell Lucy.

Answer: J.R.

Bobby interrupted a meeting between J.R. and Kit's father, Chris Mainwaring. The meeting ended with a handshake between J.R. and Chris; the two were agreeing to a joint venture in the oil refinery business. A refinery was something J.R. had wanted for Ewing Oil for a long time.

When Bobby shared Kit's new with him the eternally unflappable J.R. already knew Kit was homosexual. It was irrelevant to J.R. because all that matter to him was that the oil companies merge - regardless of what how it may affect Lucy.

Answer: That he could not marry her

Kit told Lucy that he and Sam had been lovers. Kit told Lucy he had hoped that he could "change" and be "normal" but he could not - he was who he was. Lucy was heartbroken but she decided immediately that there would be no scandal about their breakup.

She would not give J.R. that satisfaction. The two young lovers agreed to part and possibly see each - as friends - sometime in the future.

Answer: Kit was too jealous and possessive of her when she flirted with other guys

Lucy knew how to stop J.R. in his tracks - no matter how much it hurt her to do so. She knew that preventing a scandal would save her and Kit unnecessary misery. Bobby was the first to commend her for the mature way she handled the unfortunate turn of events.

This show was first broadcast in March of 1979, at a time when most television shows would not have attempted to discuss homosexuality at all. (Notice in this episode the term "gay" is never used, only "homosexual".) "Dallas" received much praise for the episode. Kit was portrayed as handsome, kind, intelligent, sensitive, progressive, fun-loving, ethical, honest - all positive characteristics. None of the social stigmas that could have been attached - especially during the 1970s. Kudos to my favorite show!