Like most dedicated “Dallas” fans, I was saddened to hear about the passing, in late November, of Larry Hagman. I really enjoyed the first season of the revival of the show on TNT and I’m looking forward to the Jan. 28 return of the show.

But will “Dallas” survive and maintain its good ratings without Hagman as J.R. Ewing, the man we love to hate?

Production on about a half-dozen of the second season’s 15 episodes was completed before Hagman passed away. TNT and producer Cynthia Cidre have announced Hagman’s death – and the passing of J.R. – will be marked in the eighth episode, set to air March 11. They’re reportedly bringing back other Ewing family members, including brother Gary, played by Ted Shackleford, and his wife Val, played by Joan Van Ark.

I’ve seen the first two episodes of the second season and I can tell you they’re on a level, quality-wise, with the first season.

And Hagman has a wonderful presence in each.

I’ll post fuller previews of each episode before they air. And I’ll be hoping that the show can carry on without its beloved bad guy.