J.R. makes Cally the offer of a new life if he can leave Haleyville. Sue Ellen and Jeremy Wendell continue their relationship. Cliff joining Ewing Oil surprises the whole of Dallas.

J.R. thinks about agreeing to a risky deal on a tanker when he needs oil badly. Cally has trouble getting past the fact that April once slept with her husband. Michelle meets Cliff in secret. Miss Ellie and Clayton's treasure hunt takes them to the town where Jock first struck oil. Tommy's violent temper gets out of control again.

Tommy ends up planting a bomb in Bobby's briefcase in an effort to protect his father against some perceived threats. J.R. comes to a decision about the tanker deal. Cally's art causes further interest. Cliff feels left out of the loop at Ewing Oil. Miss Ellie and Clayton make their way to Pride in Texas.

J.R. and Cally welcome Vanessa at Southfork. Miss Ellie and Clayton meet Sarah Ewing and find out about Jock's past in World War II when he helped others. Carter receives some bad news about an oil tanker. James ends up making a shocking claim about his true parentage to the Ewings at the Oil Baron's Club.

The Ewing family are shocked by the news that James is J.R.'s son. A tanker crash creates a P.R. nightmare for both Ewing Oil and Weststar. Michelle attempts to squeeze both Carter and J.R. Vanessa attempts to convince her son to return to Europe.

J.R. feels guilty, believing the end of Ewing Oil is close. Cliff feels torn between doing what's right and his hatred of the Ewing family. Carter's wife is fed up with his constant mistreatment of her.

Cliff meets P.R. guru Stephanie Rogers, who tells him that she can make his political dreams a reality. J.R., Cally, and John Ross travel to Pride to help Miss Ellie. Bobby gives April an engagement ring but they fight after. James and Michelle come to terms.

As Bobby continues to search for Sheila, Michelle blames Bobby for April's death. Meanwhile, James tries to find someone to take out his father; J.R. sends in a spy in the Carter's household; and Vanessa Beaumont arrives in Dallas.

The men of the Ewing clan leave together on a cattle drive. Meanwhile, Carter goes after Johnny Dancer's real murderer and a surprise visitor arrives at Southfork in search of James.