DALLAS TNT: Exclusive Photos From My Private Tour of the Set of Southfork and Ewing Energies

I just got back from an amazing visit with the folks behind the new DALLAS. As you can see, I made some new friends. Also took plenty of photos! Tell me what you think in the Comments section, below.

The famous staircase! This set actually feels like a real house, with "real" rooms branching off in all directions. They say they may construct some more rooms upstairs later this season.

A closer look at the Ewing Brag Wall...

So many DALLAS memories.

DALLAS producer Ken Topolsky paused during our tour to show us an actual call sheet. He explained that in an unusual (and poignant) expression of reverence, "Larry Hagman" remains listed, still number one, officially only "On hold."

Above the hearth, it's Jock and Miss Ellie.

J.R. Ewing's bedroom was eerie; it felt almost like a memorial, or museum. So many photos and other details to pause over. Here, his bed, bureau, and nightstand.

A photo of Hagman in military school does double duty. Also: evidence of J.R.'s sweet tooth.

Snooping among J.R.'s stuff was definitely surreal. And irresistible. His nightstand...

...and his bureau! Can't tell you what's in that box. A secret! One of many, in fact. TNT demonstrated so much trust in me and in We Love Soaps--it really was an honor.

The Ewing Energies set was every bit as gorgeous as it appears. I had to ask about the furniture and especially, the art. It's a mix of found pieces, original work from local artists, and of course, original creations by the art director.

Aside from the most gigantic green screen I have ever seen (you know it as the Dallas skyline) it was just like a real office. These boardroom chairs are actually very comfy ;-) .

The private offices were a blast. They nailed it. The commitment to characterization (and of course, detail) held up 100% in-person. This is obviously John Ross's. Paperless, and, tons of horses.

Now, Christopher's desk. Nerd alert! By the way, I know how to harvest methane hydrates now.

This was once Bobby's hospital room. What next?

A Warner Bros. mural marks the entrance to the enormous space...

Getting lost in the labyrinth of sets, strolling among various representations of alternative Dallas realities, was a both fascinating and disorienting.