What might seem a no-brainer to most people, the pilot of the TV series Dallas will be shot, indeed, in Dallas.

Texans who work in the film and television industry have been sweating it; waiting for months to hear if the update of one television’s most successful shows would be produced (a sacrilege!) in some other place like Shreveport or Albuquerque because those cities have more competitive production incentives.

Well lo and behold; Warner Horizon Television has anointed Dallas as the location for TNT’s new incarnation of the drama that used to keep viewers at home, glued to the tube, to see what the rich oil baron J.R. Ewing was up to. (This was way before DVR.)

Janis Burklund, head of the Dallas Film Commission, assured me it was, “Primarily the show’s creative team that made the difference. They completely understood why Dallas just had to be shot in Dallas.

“Mike Robin (the director and an executive producer) is considered ‘the guy’ when it comes to cable television and his vision carried a lot of clout with the studio. They were here to scout not too long ago, before the final determination was made, and I’d have to say it was the best scouting experience I’ve ever had.”

The original Dallas (1978-1991) followed the Ewing dynasty of Southfork ranch with J.R. Ewing (portrayed by real Texan Larry Hagman) as the patriarch. There was big money, big hair, big libidos, big affairs, and big jealously. It was about oil and cattle and the beautiful Texas rich fooling around and doing stuff regular people couldn’t, or wouldn’t dare, do.

Deliciously sexy and shocking for its time.

The new Dallas will pick up with the Ewing offspring; J.R. Ewing’s son John Ross (Josh Henderson of Desperate Housewives), and Christopher (Jesse Metcalfe, also of Desperate Housewives) , the adopted son of Bobby and his Pam Ewing — as they clash over the family dynasty’s future. (And there is much to clash over!)

Jordana Brewster (Fast & Furious) will star as Elena, who is involved in a love triangle with Christopher and John Ross. Julie Gonzalo (Veronica Mars) will star as Christopher’s fiancée Rebecca.

In addition to the original series’ mega-star, Larry Hagman as “J.R.,” Patrick Duffy (Bobby Ewing, brother of J.R.) and Linda Gray (J.R.’s wife, Sue Ellen) will reprise their roles. Much older and wiser, we presume.

Shooting is expected to start in April. In Dallas. Hallelujah.