I have always taken for granted the fact that J.R. could only be Jock´s for the following reasons:
- "The Early Years". For a start, this was written by the mastermind behind the whole "Dallas". There was a lot of attention put into every detail, including that scene where Ellie goes to see Jock and "convince him" of helping them to save Southfork. That scene that starts with an argument and ends up with them in bed says it all about the nature of Ellie and Digger´s relationship. Not even once we are shown that they were more than a couple of romantic (late) teenagers who just fool around innocently. In that scene at Jock´s hotel, the writer cleverly shows us that it was Ellie´s "first time" (once they finish, she tells Jock: "Can we do
this again?"). I mean, that closes the discussion to me. Ellie and Digger´s friendship was that, platonic, not a love story. And Jock was her first and only love, no matter that she had "other reasons" to marry him. And, well, Digger drank so much that probably he was already impotent by then!
...And he used to go gallivanting around Texas, too.
- Press reports for TEA: I remember that at the press reports of "The Early Years" at the time (and here I refer to magazines from 3 different countries at least!), one of the points they make is that "decent" Ellie got pregnant out of wedlock. Let´s also remember that Digger was causing a lot of trouble to the Southworthes by that time too. So 2+2=4.
Ellie: "Would you accept J.R. if he was Digger´s son?"
Jock: "Hmm, sorry, I´m sleepy. What did you say?"
Ellie: "We´d better make some more chili..."
- Finally, if Miss Ellie had been lying about it to her family, then the whole narrative of "Dallas" goes down the toilet. I agree with some of the opinions you have posted here, but I prefer to simplify this (and most other) "Dallas" question(s).
Chase: "You bastard..."
Richard: "No. YOU bastard"
Speaking of "Falcon Crest", I think that Richard being Angela´s son was a big mistake, and perhaps it was Chase the one who should NOT have been a son of Jacqueline´s. That would have caused havoc in the 7th season (Chase´s will not valid, fight for the land between Richard, Maggie & Angela) instead of turning everything upside down with that revelation... I wouldn´t want something like that on "Dallas". I did buy Pam not being Digger´s because it was totally unexpected and we weren´t that used to those things in shows (at least not in Spain)... and because it allowed for Katherine to be "sister dearest" to Pam, one of the most enjoyable and exciting long-term storylines in all "Dallas" history.
Katherine: "I did write that letter because I wanted you and Bobby apart.
I want you for me only, Pam"
Pam: "I can´t believe... you are lebanese..."